After a run of five consecutive games, Eddie Howe is finally considering changing one of his 10 outfield players for Newcastle United’s Champions League game against AC Milan.
The Magpies need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive, while they will be hoping that Borussia Dortmund can do them a favour and avoid defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
It has the makings of a special night on Tyneside, and Eddie Howe has players back from injury at the perfect time.
Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson returned on Sunday, with both coming on as substitutes during the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
It means that Howe finally has some options available to him, having been robbed of the opportunity to rotate in recent weeks.
For five games in a row, Newcastle have started with the same 10 outfield players. Alan Shearer might not believe tiredness is an issue, but it appears to be clear that fatigue has hindered the Magpies over the past few days.
That is why it is excellent to have a couple of players back from injury, and Howe has hinted that he is considering starting one of them against AC Milan.
Eddie Howe considering starting Sean Longstaff vs AC Milan
Ahead of the AC Milan game, Howe spoke to the media. He suggested that Sean Longstaff could come into the Newcastle starting XI.
“Sean is a consideration,” he said.
“But we have a lot of information to digest, with Callum as well.
“I have some big calls to make for the first time in a long time, thankfully. It was great to see them both back involved but we will need to make the right decision for the team.”
Newcastle need Longstaff back for Champions League decider
With Longstaff available after an ankle injury, it feels likely that he will return to the starting XI.
While Lewis Miley has been outstanding as of late, we could really benefit from a fresh pair of legs. Longstaff can offer that, while he is one of the fittest players at the club. He has an incredible engine, which will be vital on what is set to be an intense night at St James’ Park.
We have seen Longstaff rise to the occasion on big nights underneath the lights before. He scored in the Carabao Cup semi final at the start of the year, then there was that infamous night against PSG.
The 26-year-old has scored some massive goals in front of the Gallowgate, and he would love to get another tonight as Newcastle look to keep their Champions League dream alive.
Howe is keeping his cards close to his chest as he always does, but it feels likely that Longstaff will start.
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