Eddie Howe can probably expect a knock on his door this week as competition for places in his Newcastle United team intensifies.
Allan Saint-Maximin was thrown on for a cameo against Brentford in the emphatic 5-1 win but is not the type of player who is content at sitting on the bench. Alexander Isak is also edging closer to a return while Jonjo Shelvey could be close to a squad place after a week in training ahead of the encounter at Manchester United next Sunday.
After being ravaged by injuries early in the season, Howe now has a genuine selection headache. He admits the squad strength is starting to shine through.
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He said afterwards: "That was evident against Brentford, although in previous weeks, it’s maybe an area where we’ve suffered, where we didn’t have the strength due to the injuries we’ve had.
"Now, the majority of those players are back and it looks a totally different squad. I was able to protect a couple of players today.
"Maxi is only just back training with us, and entering the first stages of his recovery, so we didn’t have to start him. Joelinton, we were able to give another week to his knee, to recover. They were huge positives because entering a three-game week, we’re going to need the whole squad."
The midfield battle is an interesting one with Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes putting in strong displays. But Joelinton's energetic performance and assist puts him in contention for Man United and Shelvey gives Howe a lot of balance. Whatever happens next week,Howe's team sheet will be intriguing as Newcastle look to continue their fine form.
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