Newcastle United Sandro Tonali & Bruno Guimaraes changes teased v Marseille
Marseille v Newcastle United: Eddie Howe has a decision to make regarding Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali at Stade Velodrome.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are often two of the first names on Newcastle United’s teamsheet.
The midfield pair have proven themselves as essential members of Eddie Howe’s starting line-up and played a key role in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League.
Captain Guimaraes played a role in both goals, assisting Harvey Barnes’ opener before his header crashed back off the crossbar and fell to Barnes to make it 2-1. Tonali’s midfield energy and slightly tweaked role against Manchester City helped The Magpies secure a much-needed win.
The Italian has regularly been used in a No. 6 role over the past 12 months while Guimaraes has been on the right as a No. 8. But the Manchester City win saw more fluidity between their positions with Tonali often pushing further forward and Guimaraes anchoring the midfield three.
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Changes possible for NUFC
With a quick turnaround to Tuesday night’s Champions League match against Marseille (8pm kick-off), Howe has contemplated making some changes to his side. The likes of Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley remained on the bench against City while Joe Willock was a late substitute.
“I think that there's an element where trusting the squad is really important,” Howe admitted. “We've got some very, very good players who will be desperate to play as well. I do trust everybody and I think we have the depth to play these games.
“I think by playing the same players in every game will not help us achieve our objective. But every game is different. The challenge is different. Certain players will suit certain games. So, as I said, that's the decisions I have to make.”
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Eddie Howe addresses Bruno Guimaraes & Sandro Tonali switch
When asked about the change in roles for Guimaraes and Tonali, Howe explained: “Yeah, good to go back to the midfield questions.
“I think they can do everything. I think there was loads of different reasons why I switched them in position.
“On this occasion I felt it benefited both of their performances [v Manchester City]. Every game is different. It's great to have those options that I can choose. And both players played their different positions with great attitudes. That's fundamentally so important.
“They wanted to do what was asked of them. So I'll pick every team on its merits in terms of what the opposition bring and what we need to deliver. But two outstanding players who can play anywhere.”