Why Newcastle United dropped Jonjo Shelvey, Chris Wood, Fabian Schar & Miguel Almiron at Norwich City

Eddie Howe has explained why he opted to take Jonjo Shelvey, Chris Wood, Fabian Schar and Miguel Almiron out of his Newcastle United starting XI against Norwich City.

Jamaal Lascelles returned to partner Dan Burn at centre-half while Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock joined Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield.

Jacob Murphy was drafted in, replacing Miguel Almiron, where a reshuffle saw Joelinton start as the central striker in Chris Wood’s absence.

Joelinton, midway through the first-half, switched with Allan Saint-Maximin - an inspired move by Howe with the Brazilian scoring a first-half brace as a left forward.

Guimaraes added a third just after the break with a cheeky dink to punish former United goalkeeper Tim Krul’s error.

Asked about his four changes, Howe said: “Three games in six days. Norwich had a free week so we couldn’t come here lethargic, tired or mentally fatigued after the week we had - two tough home games where we had long spells without the ball.

“We needed fresh bodies, one or two players had a few niggles as well so we didn’t want to risk them. I was really pleased with the guys that came in. I thought they did refresh the team and thought we looked very good physically today for certain points in the game.

“Also, I think it’s healthy for the group to do that as well, it shows we do have a capable squad and that I’ve got options to choose from, plus competition for places as well which is absolutely vital.”

Newcastle, who now sit in the top 10 of the Premier League, host quadruple chasing Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.