Eddie Howe reinstates Anthony Gordon to forward line - Newcastle United team news to face Barcelona
Eddie Howe has returned Anthony Gordon to the centre-forward role as Newcastle United take on Barcelona in the Champions League at St James' Park. Kick-off is 8pm live on TNT Sports.
Despite scoring the only goal of the game on Saturday, Nick Woltemade has been dropped to the bench in place of a centre-forward that is absolutely not a centre-forward - Anthony Gordon.
Gordon has a lot more big game experience than Woltemade, sure, but Gordon has played centre-forward many times for Eddie Howe and has never scored from open play.
Harvey Barnes has been struggling of late, so for us the common sense move was to reinstate Gordon at Barnes' expense and play with a recognised striker against such big opposition.
We aren't happy with Eddie Howe's changes
Anthony Elanga has also replaced Jacob Murphy, who provided the assist for Woltemade's goal on Saturday, so we're not expecting home goals to be a huge feature tonight.
In our lineup prediction, we did say that Anthony Elanga might have been a good shout given his pace, but we sided with Murphy because form is with him.
It is going to be a tough game no matter who plays, and we still trust Eddie Howe, but this lineup has taken the wind out of our sails somewhat. Of course, Woltemade and Murphy are on the bench so they could still come on and make an impact.
At least Ferran Torres is on the bench and not starting
Meanwhile, Barcelona's side looks very strong even without Lamine Yamal.
Robert Lewandowski starts up front, supported by Raphinha and Marcus Rashford.
Fermin Lopez also starts, while Ferran Torres, who loves a goal at St James' Park, has to make do with a place on the bench.
LET'S GET INTO THEM! HOWAY EDDIE HOWE'S WHO NEEDS GOALS ANYWAY? MAGS!
