It wasn’t a luxury Newcastle United had last season as injuries tore through the squad. Fast forward to the Wolves game on Sunday, and there’s an argument to say the bench has never been stronger.
Trailing 1-0 at half-time, head coach Eddie Howe was able to turn to his bench and introduce Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock, as well as Kieran Trippier later on.
It was, of course, Barnes that scored the winner after Fabian Schar levelled. Tonali and Willock also had positive cameos, while Trippier’s experience and know-how shouldn’t be overlooked.
Onto Fulham this weekend, and Howe must decide whether or not to start some, if not all of those players. He may indeed decide to keep things the same. Either way, there are some tough calls to be made.
Stepping into the shoes of Howe (we don’t envy him!), this is the Newcastle United starting XI we’d name against Fulham:
1. GK: Nick Pope
He was a big part of the reason why Newcastle won at Wolves. Continuously pulls off big saves. Out of all the injuries last season, Pope’s was definitely the most impactful. | Getty Images
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2. RB: Kieran Trippier
In Newcastle’s last two Premier League away games - Bournemouth and Wolves - Trippier’s introduction from the bench has helped his side fight back from a losing position. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Some might say Schar’s deflected goal at Wolves was lucky but it’s not like he hasn’t scored from long distance before. A unique defender, as Eddie Howe described. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Burn will admit himself that he should have defended better for Wolves’ opener but that shouldn’t overshadow what has been an excellent start to the season for him. | Getty Images