Nick Pope & Anthony Gordon dropped, £55m man in? Newcastle United’s best XI
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Newcastle United latest news: What is Eddie Howe’s best starting XI when everyone is fit? And is there a place for Anthony Gordon?
Eddie Howe has not yet had the luxury of having his full squad fit and available to him this season.
Yoane Wissa’s injury means that fans are still eagerly anticipating his Newcastle United debut, whilst injuries to Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have impacted how the Magpies head coach has been able to set up his teams. However, it seems as though they are finally coming through the worst of those issues and Howe may be able to pick from a fully fit squad of players in the near future.
Here, we take a look at the strongest starting XI that Howe could name when everyone is fit. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there:
Newcastle United’s strongest starting XI
Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale has been given just two starts since joining from Southampton this summer. Nick Pope’s form recently, though, has seen a clamour for Ramdale to be given more opportunities by his manager.
Tino Livramento
Whilst Kieran Trippier is a fantastic back-up option to have, Livramento’s return to the starting XI at the weekend helped take the whole team’s game to a new level.
Malick Thiaw
In just a few months, Thiaw has not only become a settled part of the team, but also emerged as arguably the club’s best central defender. Very probably one of the first names on Howe’s teamsheet at the moment.
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Sven Botman
Botman may not have shown his brilliance too often this season, but on his day, he is still a very, very good defender and his talents alone would force his name into this team.
Lewis Hall
Much like Livramento on the opposite flank, Hall’s return to the starting XI has added another dimension to Newcastle United’s game and they look much better for that.
Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes is the captain of this side and it’s not a coincidence that when he plays poorly, so do the rest of his teammates.
Sandro Tonali
Tonali is a key cog in Howe’s team and someone that they need to build around not just this season, but hopefully in the years to come.
Jacob Murphy
It was expected that Anthony Elanga’s arrival would push Murphy out of the team. However, he has continued to pick up goals and assists and it is Elanga who now has to fight to regain a starting XI berth.
Nick Woltemade
Woltemade has been very good since his move to the club and without his goal contributions, Newcastle United could have been in a real spot of bother. He deserves to be in the best XI for his talents alone, but may not take up a role as the striker once everyone is fit and available.
Harvey Barnes
There are few players in the Premier League as in-form as Barnes right now. He is rightfully keeping Anthony Gordon out of the team and will continue to do so for as long as he is contributing goals and assists.
Yoane Wissa
Newcastle United fans have not yet seen Wissa in a black-and-white shirt, but it is hoped that he can add a fresh dynamic to the team once he makes his debut. The Wissa/Woltemade combination could be an exciting one to watch.