Eddie Howe says nobody’s place in his starting XI is assured ahead of new season

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Eddie Howe has laid down the law ahead of the new Premier League season saying that there are no guaranteed starting places in Newcastle United’s first-team.

The new Premier League season is almost within touching distance and Eddie Howe has just three more friendlies to get his ideal Newcastle United starting eleven in his head before things get serious.

Brighton will pose the first threat for Howe’s boys tonight at 12:30am as the Magpies play their final game of the Premier League Summer Series in New Jersey. Howe will be fielding an almost entirely different starting eleven than the one that took on Chelsea on Wednesday night/Thursday morning.

Eddie Howe says he doesn’t know what his starting lineup will be against Villa

With that in mind, Eddie Howe was asked by reporters if anybody had played their way into his team to take on Aston Villa on 12th August, to which Howe said (via The Chronicle): “I think these are decisions that I have to make. There’s no guarantee for any player.

“That is the most important thing. It is not based on transfer fees or what people cost it is all about at that moment who is in the best physical or mental condition to perform and help us win. So those decisions I have to make, in the lead up to the Aston Villa game.”

The likes of Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes and Harvey Barnes will get their chance to impress against Brighton tonight after sitting out the game against Chelsea with Howe still far from sure who will make the cut in a fortnight’s time.

When asked if he had his team in mind, Howe said: “No I don’t. There’s still so much football to come until the first game. We have another team playing tomorrow and that could change my opinion. Injuries will play a part.

Anthony Gordon must be a strong contender for a starting place

“Things can change my opinion and give me food for thought. Of course, you have a basic framework of what you think it might be. It can always change.”

If anyone has played their way into the starting line-up for the Aston Villa game it has to be Anthony Gordon. The former Everton forward has been exceptional in pre-season and looks really up for the challenge of the new season.

Lewis Miley also hasn’t done his chances any harm, but I imagine Howe will be reluctant to thrust him straight into action in the Premier League in order to avoid the risk of shattering his confidence.