Eddie Howe must risk the wrath of Newcastle fans with unpopular decision vs Marseille

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After a bit of pressure, Eddie Howe is back on top of the world as Newcastle United manager.

Those who doubted the Toon boss were made to look very foolish on Saturday evening, as Newcastle United beat Manchester City at St James’ Park. The Magpies played brilliantly, as Eddie Howe finally won a Premier League game against Pep Guardiola.

It is the kind of result that should galvanise Newcastle United’s season, but the real issue remains their away form. That will be put to the test again on Tuesday night, as Howe’s side face Marseille in the Champions League.

That will be a difficult game for the Magpies, and Howe must make a decision that will likely upset a huge portion of the Toon Army.

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Dan Burn must replace Lewis Hall when Newcastle United face Marseille

Lewis Hall was exceptional against Manchester City.

He returned to the starting XI in place of the suspended Dan Burn and played like he had never been away.

It was a refreshing performance from the young left-back, who proved why he should be going to the 2026 World Cup with England next summer.

Short-term, he should not start against Marseille on Tuesday night.

It will not go down well with some Newcastle United fans, but he should be replaced by Dan Burn against the Ligue 1 side.

That is not a reflection of Lewis Hall’s ability or the fact that Burn is seen as one of Howe’s favourites. Instead, it is actually a reflection of Hall’s importance to this Newcastle United squad.

He has only just come back from a hamstring injury, while he was forced off with cramp on Saturday night. While Howe was very pleased with Hall’s performance, he will be well aware that he needs to manage the youngster’s minutes.

That means taking him out of the starting XI and keeping him fresh for Saturday’s Premier League game against Everton.

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Dan Burn knows Newcastle United will rotate

Dan Burn recently upset some Newcastle fans when he said he felt he had enough credit in the bank to continue playing regularly despite the looming return of Hall and Tino Livramento.

“It’s good we’ve got those two lads coming back because they’re very big players for us and we’ve got good quality in every position now,” he said.

“The manager spoke this season that there will be a lot more rotation.”

Burn added: “I feel like I’ve built up a fair bit of credit with my performances for Newcastle since I’ve been here, so I’m confident that I’ll continue to play.”

However, what Burn said was absolutely correct. He will continue to play regularly for the Magpies, and so he should.

Given the number of games that Newcastle United continue to play, it is absolutely essential that Howe rotates his starting XI.

That is what he must do on Tuesday against Marseille, with Burn coming in for Hall at left-back. It is not Burn’s best position, but it is a case of needs must. There are no other options at left-back, while it would be negligent of Howe to overplay Hall and risk another injury.