Eddie Howe is going to be forced into at least one Newcastle United change against Leicester City, with Joe Willock set to miss out.
With two games to go, it looks like Willock‘s season is over. That is because the Newcastle midfielder pulled up in our last match, suffering a hamstring injury in the 4-1 win over Brighton.
With the Magpies needing just one more point to guarantee Champions League football, Howe is going to be without one of his key players for the biggest game of the season – and is going to turn to one of the least experienced members of his squad.
Elliot Anderson to start for Newcastle against Leicester
According to the Northern Echo, Elliot Anderson is expected to replace Willock in the Newcastle midfield against Leicester tonight.
The 20-year-old took his place in the second half against Brighton and did well, and is now in line for his second ever Premier League start.
His first came back in February, when he was given the chance he had been waiting for against Liverpool – one week before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
It was a golden opportunity for Anderson, but it was snatched away from him shortly after it had begun. With Nick Pope receiving a red card in the 22nd minute, Anderson was the player that was sacrificed so that a replacement goalkeeper could come on.
It was cruel but necessary, and Anderson has not started since. He has impressed though, and was ‘unbelievable‘ off the bench in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest back in March. The youngster even thought he had scored his first ever competitive goal for his boyhood club, only for it to be cruelly chalked off by VAR.
This has been a special season for Newcastle United, and a breakthrough campaign for Anderson – although it could have been even better for the local lad. He has seen multiple moments snatched away from him, but it could all culminate with tonight’s game against Leicester.
Alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Anderson will have the chance to finish the story and guide Newcastle back into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
It is an incredible opportunity for Anderson, and one he will hopefully take full advantage of.