Two players Eddie Howe could recall vs Norwich amid plans to ‘freshen’ up his Newcastle XI

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has used the same starting XI in his last two games. But with three games in the space of less than a week, he may need to make changes.

Norwich vs Newcastle takes place tomorrow afternoon, with the Magpies coming in as the favourites. They’ll be full of confidence after winning their last three games against Wolves, Leicester and Crystal Palace.

With the Canaries sitting bottom, this is Howe’s best chance to give some players a much-needed rest. And that might be exactly what he does.

“We may freshen things up,” Howe said ahead of the game.

“We’ll look at it on an individual basis but we want players that are 100% fit & ready to give their best again physically.

“We’ve had a big physical effort so we need to be ready.”

Howe has had a real selection dilemma in 2022, it’s an opportunity for some fringe players to make an impact

Since his arrival, Howe has done wonders with not just the players he’s brought in, but the way he’s utilised the original squad he inherited.

It’s given him a real selection dilemma when picking his Newcastle starting XI. But Saturday’s game could be a chance to give some of the other players a chance.

Changes might be made to the midfield. The midfield three of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Jonjo Shelvey could be shaken up to give one or two of them a rest. The Toon have other options who can fill in.

Joe Willock has made appearances off the bench in the last two fixtures. He even played an important role in providing the cross for Bruno Guimaraes’ headed goal against Leicester. He had a poor start to the season, but in 2022 he’s looked much more like his old self.

Another midfield option Howe will consider is Sean Longstaff. Howe has admitted he’s been unlucky to not get more opportunities. The trip to Carrow Road might see him call upon the Magpies youth academy product.

Their opponents might sit at the bottom of the table but they won’t take them lightly. Norwich can still mathematically stay up and will look to get all the points they can to remain in the Premier League.