Newcastle United have been back in training ahead of the first of three successive away trips in the space of eight days. Eddie Howe's side will hope to extend their eight-match unbeaten run in Thursday night's encounter at Southampton.
The Magpies moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with a hard-fought victory against Brighton on Saturday. Early goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar coupled with another resolute defensive display was enough to eke out a 2-1 win over the Seagulls.
Ralph Hassenhuttl's side has called on his side to show a 'different face' after a four-goal thrashing at Aston Villa in their last outing. However, the Saints have not tasted defeat at home since September last year, and Howe could be forced to make changes to his starting eleven with trips to Chelsea and Everton to come.
Here are four things we learned from Newcastle United's latest training gallery from Tuesday's session.
Ritchie's return
Tuesday's session saw a welcome return to training for Matt Ritchie. The veteran wide man has been ruled out of action since picking up a knee injury in January's shock FA Cup defeat to Cambridge United.
The trip to the south coast will likely come too soon for the 32-year-old, but the former Bournemouth's return to fitness is a welcome boost ahead of a busy period. However, Ritchie faces tough competition for a starting spot given the team's current form and the recent performances of Matt Targett at left-back.
Starts incoming?
Barring a couple of injuries and absences, Howe has had the luxury of naming a settled starting line-up in recent weeks, and it is a decision which has been rewarded by results. Dan Burn and Targett have settled impressively into the backline, while Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock have established an impressive central triumvirate.
However, the Premier League's decision to rearrange the two postponed festive fixtures for successive Thursday nights poses the head coach a fresh challenge. Javier Manquillo and Allan Saint-Maximin were named on the bench last time out following spells out with injury, while Bruno Guimaraes will likely earn his first start in the coming week.
De Bolle impressing?
Howe has already outlined his 'high hopes' for Magpies prospect Lucas De Bolle, who was named on the bench for the first time in last month's home victory against Aston Villa. The head coach praised the 19-year-old's versatility and his technical ability, while insisting the 'emergence' of the teenager has allowed Newcastle to loan out several young players in January.
De Bolle was named on the bench again the following week for the Magpies' draw at West Ham, but has not been named in the last three matchday squads. However, Tuesday's session proves the midfielder continues to train with the first-team.
Chance for Thompson
Newcastle are well-stocked in the goalkeeping department, with Martin Dubravka returning to form in recent weeks after a foot injury derailed his start to the season. Freddie Woodman secured a mid-season loan move to Championship promotion contenders Bournemouth, while Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie provide competition to the number one.
Dan Langley started in the pre-season defeat at York City in the midst of injuries and Covid-enforced absences, but Tuesday's session saw Max Thompson join in with the first team. The England youth international signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club in December.
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