‘Outstanding’ Newcastle player might not like it but he can be Eddie Howe’s super sub yet again tonight

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Newcastle Untied manager Eddie Howe will be reluctant to change a winning team.

His side have hit form, with Newcastle United winning three games in a row heading into tonight’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.

The Magpies face the Hammers at St James’ Park, and know that a win will lift them up to sixth in the table. It would leave Eddie Howe’s side just two points behind second-placed Manchester City, which is quite remarkable.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
6	TottenhamTottenham	12	6	1	5	27	13	14	19
7	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	12	5	4	3	15	13	2	19
8	Aston VillaAston Villa	12	5	4	3	19	19	0	19
9	NewcastleNewcastle	11	5	3	3	13	11	2	18
10	FulhamFulham	12	5	3	4	17	17	0	18
11	BrentfordBrentford	12	5	2	5	22	22	0	17

While there are fears that Newcastle will lose their momentum due to the international break, Toon fans will likely see a very similar team to the one that beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Lloyd Kelly is expected to start ahead of Dan Burn, with the Geordie defender suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Other than that, Newcastle’s predicted XI to face West Ham is the same team that beat Forest and Arsenal.

Harvey Barnes to start on the bench for Newcastle against West Ham

That means Harvey Barnes will be on the bench yet again, having lost his place in the starting XI.

The 26-year-old impressed as a substitute in our last game, scoring Newcastle’s third on the counterattack during the win over Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, this game against West Ham will remind Toon fans of Barnes’ finest moment in a black and white shirt. He came off the bench at home to the Hammers last season, scoring two late goals to hand Newcastle a dramatic 4-3 win.

• READ MORE: Who is Harvey Barnes? Profile, Girlfriend, Dad, Salary, Socials

Eddie Howe thinks Harvey Barnes is more than a ‘super sub’

While Barnes has enjoyed some incredible moments coming off the bench, Howe has told the media during his pre-match press conference that he thinks the winger can be more than just a ‘super sub’.

“I certainly don’t see him as a super sub, although he has done really well from the bench for us and has contributed goals and assists,” he said.

“He was really the pivotal player in our comeback against West Ham last year and if he doesn’t come on the pitch with the right attitude we don’t win that game.

“Certainly, he’s more than that and he’s capable of more than that. I don’t think Harvey would want that tag. He’s an outstanding player, who’s got a really good goalscoring record and got a goalscoring ability that he’s always had in his career.

“So I’d love to find a way to work him into the team on a consistent basis, that will be down to Harvey if he continues to do well. He’s certainly knocking on the door to play regularly.”

Barnes will not start for Newcastle tonight

Unsurprisingly, Howe has said that Barnes can be more than just an impact player. However, he will have to settle for that role tonight against West Ham at St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon is always going to start on one wing, while Newcastle have enjoyed great success as of late from playing Joelinton on the other flank.

They will be Newcastle’s starting wingers on Monday night, which means Barnes will be a substitute once again.

Barnes has an incredible record as a substitute for Newcastle

While he will not want to be a ‘super sub’ long-term for Newcastle United, it is a tagline he could claim once again this evening.

Since his £39million arrival from Leicester City, Barnes has proven that he can change games off the bench.

His record as a substitute for Newcastle is impressive, with Barnes scoring six goals and providing three assists off the bench. Barnes has nine goal contributions off the bench, which is impressive when you consider he has 13 goal contributions in total for the Magpies.

The longer tonight’s game goes on, the more Eddie Howe will need to lean on his bench. And that could give Barnes another chance to claim the ‘super sub’ nickname whether he likes it or not.