Newcastle United face Al-Hilal in a friendly on Thursday evening, and the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder believes that Allan Saint-Maximin is ‘likely’ to start.
The Frenchman is one of the players desperate to prove his fitness to Eddie Howe during the warm weather training camp in Riyadh.
While Newcastle have been flying, Saint-Maximin has endured a frustrating start to the campaign. We witnessed a scintillating display versus Manchester City followed by an incredible goal against Wolves, but since then we have barely seen him.
The 25-year-old has missed most of the season due to a hamstring injury, making just three substitute appearances in the league since that draw with Wolves back in August.
He did play the full 90 minutes in the cup win over Crystal Palace, and will hope to start in the Premier League when it resumes on Boxing Day.
To do that, he needs to impress in Saudi Arabia. And it sounds like he will get the chance to do just that.
Saint-Maximin to start v Al-Hilal
The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder is currently in Riyadh, and watched Howe’s players train on Tuesday morning. He posted a video to his official Twitter account, and provided some early team news ahead of Thursday’s game.
“Supporters in the Middle East will be looking for a strong team,” Ryder said.
“I think Allan Saint-Maximin looks likely to start. He’s looking in good shape down there at the moment and certainly a player who the fans will want to see.”
More to come from ASM
When he is on form, Saint-Maximin is worth the admission fee alone. He is a player who gets you off the edge of your seat with his speed and skill.
But he needs to add consistency to his game. That is how he will become a success under Howe.
Newcastle have proven under Howe that they can win without Saint-Maximin. That never felt like the case when Steve Bruce was manager.
The Magpies can now function as a team rather than relying on one individual – but that one individual is outrageously talented.
If Howe can get ASM fit and firing, this Newcastle team could become even more dangerous. To do that, the Newcastle number 10 must prove he is over his injury woes, and show that he can be a consistent difference maker in the final third.
Saint-Maximin has been overshadowed by a lot of players during 2022. He is no longer the star attraction at St James’ Park. But he has the skills and ability to change that.
Let’s hope he does start against Al-Hilal on Thursday, and he begins his road to redemption.
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