Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Aaron Stokes

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.

Newcastle United 40-page pre season guide available to buy now, CLICK HERE to order. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from Saturday July 30, 2022.

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.

READ NEXT

Eddie Howe responds amid talk of Newcastle United bid for Leicester City star James Maddison

Newcastle 2-1 Athletic Bilbao player ratings as Wilson impresses amid Dubravka and Ritchie reminder

Newcastle 2-1 Athletic Bilbao as Allan Saint-Maximin goal ensures final pre-season victory

Newcastle United chiefs working overtime on transfers as Leicester demand £60m for James Maddison

Elliot Anderson question, Newcastle United midfield hint and Duvan Zapata performance - 5 things

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.