Eddie Howe is going to make three changes to his starting lineup for Newcastle United’s Champions League opener against AC Milan tonight.
That is the view of Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, who does not think Howe is going to name the same team that beat Brentford 1-0 on Saturday evening.
Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali were on the bench at the weekend, but it has been reported that they will both start at the San Siro.
That means Callum Wilson will drop out, despite producing a man of the match display last time out. It also means Elliot Anderson will probably be on the bench, as Sean Longstaff is more likely to start next to Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
However, Downie believes that Newcastle will make one more change on top of bringing Isak and Tonali back into the side.
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Miguel Almiron predicted to start against AC Milan
Downie has stated on Sky Sports’ website that he thinks Miguel Almiron is going to start in place of Harvey Barnes against AC Milan.
He wrote: “I expect Eddie Howe to revert back to the tried and trusted on Tuesday. Callum Wilson played the full 90 minutes on Saturday in a 1-0 win. He trained on his own on Monday, and I expect Alexander Isak to come back in.
“The back four picks itself, but there are a few positions which could be changed.
“I think Tonali will come back in due to Joelinton’s injury, alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.
“I think Miguel Almiron will replace Harvey Barnes on the right of the front three, as Eddie Howe goes back to his favoured players from the first few games of the season who did so well, particularly against Aston Villa.”
Starting Almiron is the right decision for Newcastle
Harvey Barnes did nothing wrong against Brentford. The £39million man was dangerous at times, causing Brentford real problems in the second half. For his first Toon start, it was a solid performance.
However, this is a game for Almiron. He should come back into the team in place of Barnes, allowing Anthony Gordon to switch back to the left.
That will give Howe a front three of Gordon, Isak and Almiron. There is so much pace there that could really hurt AC Milan on the break.
But the main reason behind recalling Miggy is defensive solidity. The Paraguayan has a great relationship with Kieran Trippier and will do the hard yards to protect his fullback. On the opposite side, Gordon will do the same for Burn.
This is not to say that Barnes would not work hard. He absolutely would. But he has not been at the club that long, and perhaps does not know the intricate details that Howe expects from his wingers.
That is why Almiron should come back into the side, and Sky Sports’ Keith Downie thinks that he will.