Eddie Howe will have one eye on the Tyne-Wear derby when he picks his Newcastle United starting XI to face Bayer Leverkusen.
It is a massive week for Newcastle United, who head to Germany for a Champions League tie before getting reacquainted with North East rivals Sunderland.
Both games are massive for the Magpies, but Eddie Howe’s priority for now will be taking on Bayer Leverkusen. If he is too focused on the derby then things could go very wrong at the BayArena.
The Champions League takes centre stage first, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Bayer Leverkusen.
You’re allowed to make THREE changes to Newcastle’s team against Bayer Leverkusen – what do you do?
Eddie Howe changes his formation
For Newcastle’s Champions League defeat to Marseille, Eddie Howe shifted to a back five. It initially worked, only for Nick Pope’s error to ultimately cost the Magpies.
While it might be perceived negatively, utilising a back five again on Wednesday night makes sense for Newcastle United.
It would see them match Bayer Leverkusen’s shape, while it would allow them to rest one of Tino Livramento or Lewis Hall. Geordie Boot Boys have predicted that the former could be rested, having played the full 90 minutes against Burnley.
That would see Jacob Murphy come into the side at right wing-back, which is a role he has played before.
- Who is Jacob Murphy? The Newcastle United star who has transformed under Eddie Howe
Sandro Tonali set to return after being rested
Howe opted to leave Sandro Tonali out of his starting XI against Burnley, giving his midfield maestro a rest instead.
That proved to be the correct decision, with Newcastle getting over the line without Tonali – just.
But he should return to the side for the Champions League, hopefully alongside captain extraordinaire Bruno Guimaraes. His confidence will be sky high after his goal direct from a corner on Saturday.
Yoane Wissa on the bench again for Newcastle United
The Toon Army rejoiced on Saturday when Yoane Wissa made his Newcastle United debut.
It was amazing to finally see him in a black and white shirt, and his second appearance should come against Bayer Leverkusen.
- Who is Yoane Wissa? Newcastle United’s £55m Alexander Isak replacement
Imagine you’re Eddie Howe, are you tempted to start Yoane Wissa against Bayer Leverkusen? 👀
He’ll be up against his former teammate Mark Flekken!
However, Eddie Howe must resist all temptation to put his number nine in the starting lineup. Yoane Wissa should be on the bench again, with Nick Woltemade leading the line back on German shores.
He could be flanked by Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, with the latter not playing a single minute of the 2-1 victory over Burnley.
Predicted XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Ramsdale; Murphy, Thiaw, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.
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