Eddie Howe made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Norwich City on Tuesday night as captain Jamaal Lascelles returned from suspension in place of Federico Fernandez and Miguel Almiron replaced Ryan Fraser, who missed out entirely.
Here’s what supporters had to say following the team news announcement…
@Koba0072: “433. Think he feels obligated to start Lascelles as he's captain. If we revert to a 343 or anything like that, I can see Fernandez coming on but I feel he deserves to be starting.”
@jamiecampbell50: “Fede has been out for months he was never gonna play 2 games in 4 days let’s be real. Stop being negative and back Eddie Howe and his decisions new manager might mean new Lascelles back then both.”
@decarteret_john: “Cant believe Fernandez is on the bench. If you MUST have Lascelles back (and I don't see why you would) at least drop Schar instead. Or play 5 at the back. We need Fernandez badly. What has the dude done? Must be some reason beyond football he isn't playing. Makes no sense.”
@Cosseycj: “Very poor after Fernandez display the other night that he is dropped.. for Lascelles!! Very poor.”
@NUFCLC: “No Fernandez? What?”
@allansbestbuddy: “Almiron on Tv off.”
@1892birdy: “Lascelles walks back into that team at the expense of Fernandez and takes the armband off Wilson? I’m lost for words. This needs to be a big shift from Lascelles or I’m not having it anymore.”
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5. CB: Fabian Schar
The Swiss international almost gifted Norwich three points with a late mistake on Tuesday night only for Dubravka to save his blushes. Having said that, his ability to run out from defence and pick out a pass lends itself well to Eddie Howe's playing style. Not to mention that goal he scored against Burnley at St. James's Park back in 2019 - wow! Photo: Michael Regan
6. RB: Javier Manquillo
Completing the defensive line is Javier Manquillo. Suspensions may have led to Howe stumbling on this back four but it arguably the strongest defence Newcastle have at the moment. The Spaniard has been a fairly consistent performer in black and white this season and can be a useful attacking outlet when given license to roam forward. Photo: Stu Forster
7. LW: Allan Saint-Maximin
Is by no means a guaranteed starter at the moment but should get another chance against a Burnley side he ran ragged last season. Just needs to avoid running into trouble and giving the ball away. Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Has already shown a marked improvement under Eddie Howe and displayed his fine range of passing against Norwich on Tuesday, even if a few went slightly wayward. Photo: OLI SCARFF