Is this the Newcastle United starting XI Eddie Howe will name to face Brentford?
Newcastle host Brentford in the Premier League for the first time ever this weekend. It will also be the first time Howe will lead his new team out as they search for their first win of the season.
At Bournemouth, Howe tended to favour a four-man defence with either two strikers or a no.10 dropping in just behind the centre-forward.
Here, we take a look at how Newcastle would look in that system and see what their ‘strongest XI’ could look like under their new manager, which could be the team that faces Brentford:
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1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Karl Darlow has done little wrong during his spell in goal, however, with a new era dawning, it may be time for Dubravka to step up as Newcastle’s no.1 again. Photo: Stu Forster
2. RB: Javi Manquillo
If Newcastle are going to play a ‘front foot’ and attacking system that Bournemouth played with under Howe, then a solid defence will be needed and Manquillo has shown great solidity in that role this season. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle’s captain will be heavily relied upon to help his side transition from Steve Bruce to Eddie Howe and will need to become the leader we all know he is on the pitch. Photo: Ian MacNicol
4. CB: Federico Fernandez
Much like Manquillo’s addition, Fernandez is in this team for his defensive solidity and his great Premier League experience. Outcast by Graeme Jones, maybe a change in management will help Fernandez become a Newcastle United regular once again? Photo: Charlotte Tattersall