Eddie Howe confirms two players who will start for Newcastle United against Qarabag tomorrow
Newcastle United take on Qarabag in the Champions League Play-Off first leg tomorrow evening. Kick-off is at 5:45pm live on TNT Sports.
It's a tricky tie for the Magpies, who have travelled over 2500 miles today, and with Newcastle's injury concerns, it is going to be a strong test of character for those who are selected tomorrow.
Azerbaijani side Qarabag have been a surprise package in the Champions League this season, and Newcastle would be fools to underestimate them.
Indeed, in his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Eddie Howe confirmed that he will be putting out a full-strength team and will be treating his opponents with respect.
Kieran Trippier is set to start again for Newcastle out in Baku tomorrow
Howe was asked by one reporter if he could give us an insight into what his team will be, and the Newcastle gaffer actually obliged with a couple of hints.
"I don't like to do that but I will play the game! On our side, without revealing our starting XI, Kieran Trippier will be an interesting player for you to see, he's the only right-back so he will play! Sandro (Tonali) is in good form after his two goals at Villa!"
I guess when you're left with so few options, it's not really giving the game away too much.
Leo Shahar must be wondering what he's got to do to get a debut around here
It looks like poor old Kieran Trippier is going to have to keep going for a while longer after the news that Emil Krafth's season is over. Tino Livramento is still a few weeks away from a return, too, so the 35-year-old is going to have to keep dipping into his energy reserves to keep going for the team.
Surely, at a certain point, Eddie Howe has to give young Leo Shahar a run-out. It may be too early for him, but for the sake of Trippier's old pegs, give him a break.
If only there had been a window recently in which we could have made a transfer to bring in cover for situations like this.
