As Newcastle United prepare to face Brentford in gameweek 5 of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Eddie Howe has some pressure on his shoulders. The Magpies haven’t started the season in the finest fashion, currently sitting fifteenth which is way below expectations for them.
Unfortunately, injury news hasn’t gone their way either. As they prepare to host Brentford, Howe is met with some serious rotation conundrums to decipher. In essence, he must balance the idea of Champions League rotation (with that HUGE fixture against AC Milan in midweek) with the current injuries.
The confirmed injury list for Newcastle looks like this:
- Elliot Anderson (knock)
- Emil Krafth (injured)
- Javier Manquillo (groin injury)
- Joseph Willock (hamstring injury)
- Sandro Tonali (muscle injury)
- Sven Botman (ankle injury)
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe could make TWO big changes against Brentford
Newcastle Toons writer Logan Stanley-Garry had his turn to predict the Newcastle lineup to face Brighton, and it featured two big changes. The most obvious change is to rotate out Sandro Tonali as he’s injured and a doubt for Eddie Howe. From the previous fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion, Sean Longstaff is expected to come in to replace Tonali.
Another big call from the predicted lineup is for Eddie Howe to drop Miguel Almiron. Miggy is a fan favourite, we must make that very clear. However, being a fan favourite doesn’t get you far with the manager, particularly one as ruthless as Howe, when you’re out of form.
With Miggy dropped, who comes in to replace him? Well, Harvey Barnes is yet to be given his first start in Black and White. It would be a big call for Howe to start Barnes when he needs a win, however, it would be the right call. This has two benefits – It boosts the confidence of Barnes, while ensuring Almiron is rested for the even bigger fixture against Milan.
What’s your score prediction for today, Newcastle fans?