Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make before Newcastle United’s season opener against Southampton, but his midfield picks itself.
It is unclear what front three Eddie Howe will go with, while the Newcastle United manager also has options in defence.
Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento are competing to start at right-back, while it remains to be seen if Lewis Hall will be trusted to start the season in the starting XI.
But while those decisions are tough, it seems very clear who will be Howe’s midfield three when Newcastle United take on Southampton at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle’s expected midfield three versus Southampton
The first name on the team sheet will be Bruno Guimaraes, who has been linked with a move away from Tyneside all summer.
But the 26-year-old remains at the club, despite a recent report claiming that Bruno is keen to sign for Manchester City. However, Bruno has made it clear he is happy at Newcastle United.
The former Lyon star will block out the noise and aim to start the new season well, and he will start alongside Joelinton. He has looked great in pre-season, and is aiming to make up for lost time after enduring an injury hit 2023/24 campaign.
That leaves one more place in midfield, and it will go to Sean Longstaff.
Joe Willock is available but is still building his fitness back up, while Eddie Howe prefers to play him on the left of the three rather than the right. In contrast, Longstaff’s best position is on the right of the three.
It has been a mixed pre-season for Newcastle’s ‘unsung hero’, but it ended well for Longstaff. He scored twice in the 4-0 win over Girona, and looks certain to start the new season in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Sean Longstaff has to start the season well for Newcastle
However, it is vital that the academy graduate enjoys a bright start to the season.
Firstly, it will do his confidence the world of good. Longstaff really struggled last season, with fitness issues constantly holding him back. And the more he struggled, the more his confidence suffered.
A confident Sean Longstaff is a very useful Sean Longstaff. He proved that during the 2022/23 season as Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League. If he can get back to that level of performance, he will be an important player for Howe this season.
He will get the chance to perform, with Howe almost certain to select Longstaff for the first few games. However, Longstaff’s place will soon be under threat.
Sandro Tonali returns on September 1st
That is because Sandro Tonali is waiting to make his Newcastle United comeback.
The 24-year-old has been banned for betting since October, but could make his Premier League return against Tottenham Hotspur on September 1st.
Tonali is like a new signing to Newcastle, with the midfielder bracing himself for a comeback of epic proportions. He will want to start the season well, with Tonali keen to make it up to those at Newcastle who have supported him.
And when he is back, there will be a clamour for him to be in the starting XI – alongside Joelinton and Bruno.
With the looming presence of Tonali, Longstaff has to start the season well. Otherwise, he could quickly be removed from Howe’s starting XI once the £55million Italian superstar is available.
No pressure, Sean…
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