The ‘difficult’ Newcastle United selection decision Eddie Howe is facing against Liverpool

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United team selection for the visit of Liverpool this afternoon will be no easy decision.

Last week against Norwich City, Howe named four changes to his starting XI, yet still left Carrow Road with a comfortable 3-0 win.

Jamaal Lascelles, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock all came into the line-up at the expense of Fabian Schar, Jonjo Shelvey, Miguel Almiron and Chris Wood.

The dilemma Howe is facing is all those players who featured in East Anglia will feel they have done enough to justify their place against Liverpool.

However, those players rested will undoubtedly be chomping at the bit to return when Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to St James’ Park.

So, how does Howe manage the squad situation?

“It’s very difficult when you have a good squad to pick 11 players,” Howe admitted. “Sometimes you have to disappoint players you really like.

“There’s always a route back in. It’s down to the individual in those moments when you’re outside to develop and improve so when you get your chance, you can take that opportunity when it comes your way.

“Like all games, we look at the opposition and ourselves to try and pick the best team for that particular game, so we’ll do that against Liverpool.

“The thing about the Norwich game, it was our third game in six days and we always find the third game in a tight congested schedule as probably the one you have to be careful of that you don’t go in fatigued.

“We’ve had a good week. I’ve got a full squad to pick from so I’ll try and make the right calls.”