Eddie Howe makes some bold decisions as he names Newcastle United's starting XI to face Marseille
Newcastle United are in France to take on Olympique Marseille at the Orange Velodrome in the Champions League tonight. Kick-off is at 8pm live on TNT Sports.
Eddie Howe had some big calls to make with his starting lineup after Saturday's impressive win over Manchester City.
Two standout players for Newcastle on Saturday were Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, but both are just coming back from long-term absences, and the question was asked whether they'd be ready to go again tonight.
Anthony Gordon missed Saturday's win, but was expected to be back in the reckoning for tonight too, so how would Eddie Howe deal with that?
Eddie Howe has made some strange calls with tonight's lineup
In terms of the full-backs, Tino Livramento keeps his place in the starting XI, which is likely a consequence of Kieran Trippier being injured. Dan Burn comes in for Lewis Hall, who has to make do with a place on the bench.
Sven Botman once again misses out to Fabian Schar, who keeps his place alongside Malick Thiaw.
In the middle of the park, Joelinton sits this one out with Joe Willock brought into the middle of the park alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Well there goes our confidence
Up top, Jacob Murphy keeps his place on the right as does Saturday's goal scorer Harvey Barnes on the left, but Eddie Howe is once again trying to deploy Anthony Gordon as a centre-forward.
We said earlier this evening that Eddie Howe's team selection would play a big part in determining our confidence ahead of the game, and with Joe Willock in midfield and Anthony Gordon up front, our confidence has just shot through the floor.
Look, we get that Nick Woltemade could do with a rest and with Yoane Wissa and Will Osula injured, options are limited, but just keep him in the side and drop him when Wissa or Osula are available. It never, ever, ever works with Anthony Gordon as a striker. Never ever.
Also, Joe Willock is absolutely pants. This is why we have Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley.
HOWAY EDDIE HOWE'S FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PROVE ME WRONG MAGS!
