Eddie Howe faces selection headache in three positions…

Eddie Howe faces selection headache in three positions as Newcastle United boss admits 'dilemma'

Eddie Howe has a dilemma on his hands - even the Newcastle United boss says so himself. Speaking after the Magpies' 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, the Toon boss insisted he still did not know the 11 players that will line up against Nottingham Forest next week.

Some positions are nailed down. Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson are all-but guaranteed to start in the Premier League opener if they remain fully fit. However, questions remains over other positions in Howe's XI.

Firstly, the heart of the defence is one area Howe may still be mulling over, with Sven Botman not nailed on to start despite his hefty fee this summer. The Dutchman played in Saturday's 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, partnering Jamaal Lascelles.

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But Howe's defence in the Atalanta friendly looked strong, with Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Trippier all involved. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn were solid together and could quite easily play against Nottingham Forest if the Newcastle boss decides to take his time with Botman.

“He’s done very well during pre-season. I’d say today was a snapshot of how he’s been – very composed on the ball, an excellent distributor, short and long. I thought he defended very well," Howe said about Botman this weekend.

“He was good aerially and good defending balls in behind. I thought it was a very composed display. He’s showing the characteristics of what he’ll bring to the defence. Is he ready? Of course he is. But there’s competition for places, and that’s now probably my biggest dilemma from the two games – trying to pick one XI.”

Next, it's the midfield. Jonjo Shelvey's hamstring injury has ruled him out of the Premier League opener and likely most of August. Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are nailed on but one slot is now up for grabs.

Joe Willock played in the Bilbao win alongside the aforementioned duo in a clear hint he could occupy the third midfield position. However, it is hard to deny Elliot Anderson deserves a shot too.

Impressing again in the Atalanta win, the 19-year-old may well have played himself into contention for the Premier League curtain raiser. It may be a long shot but few would complain if Anderson was given a shot.

Finally, we have the attack. Miguel Almiron is another who has shone this summer but we've been here before with the Paraguayan. Ryan Fraser has also enjoyed a decent pre-season and could easily start next week.

Almiron is probably just ahead in the pecking order due to his form of late but it will be interesting to see who is given the nod alongside Saint-Maximin and Wilson. Howe praised the latter two after Saturday's win and is hoping for a big season from both.

Eddie Howe faces selection headache in three positions as Newcastle United boss admits 'dilemma'

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