Lewis Hall drops out as Eddie Howe makes bold £25m call - Newcastle United predicted XI v Marseille

Newcastle United are back in Champions League action tonight when they face French side Marseille at the Stade Velodrome. The Magpies have won three of their four league phase matches so far this season, but tonight’s game is just their second on the road.

Marseille may be sat in the lower reaches of the Champions League table, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side are going very well in the league this season and defeated local rivals Nice 5-1 on Friday night.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, overcame Manchester City on Saturday as Eddie Howe welcomed back Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall to his starting side. Whilst both played superbly at the weekend, they may not be risked again tonight - with the return of Dan Burn potentially throwing a spanner into the works for Howe to consider.

Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for tonight’s Champions League clash and why he could make a couple of very bold defensive decisions.

Newcastle United predicted XI v Marseille

Nick Pope

Pope’s position in the team had been greatly debated during the international break, but he silenced those questions with a very good performance on Saturday and was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet.

Jacob Murphy

Murphy may be asked to slot into defence tonight if Howe feels he cannot risk Tino Livramento so soon after his return from injury.

Fabian Schar

Schar reminded everyone of his class at the weekend, slotting in seamlessly alongside Malick Thiaw in the heart of defence. He may prove difficult to dislodge as a starter.

Malick Thiaw

Thiaw was almost faultless up against Erling Haaland and continues to show why he is probably the very first name on Howe’s teamsheet at the minute.

Dan Burn

Burn was suspended on Saturday, but is back and available for selection tonight. Whether he picks Burn or Botman is likely to be Howe’s biggest decision tonight - we think the man from Blyth may just get the nod to play at left-back.

Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes’ performance on Saturday went somewhat under the radar but he was fantastic in the middle of the park and will have another big role to play tonight.

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Sandro Tonali

If Thiaw is the first name on Howe’s teamsheet, then Tonali is surely a very close second? The Italian will be tasked with setting the tone tonight in what could be a very difficult away trip.

Joelinton

Marseille are a physical team and Joelinton will need to use all of his physical strength to help his side win the midfield battle.

Anthony Elanga

It just hasn’t clicked for Elanga yet on Tyneside, but his best performances in the black and white have come in this competition. If Murphy is needed in defence, then Elanga could be given a chance to showcase his talents in attack tonight.

Nick Woltemade

Woltemade may not have found the net at the weekend, but he was very good at occupying defenders and was unfortunate to see Gianluigi Donnarumma save some of his efforts.

Harvey Barnes

Barnes is surely undroppable at the minute. He may have missed chances at the weekend, but the way he finished his two in the second half was sensational and, despite the return of Anthony Gordon, will likely get the nod from his head coach.

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