The 5 Newcastle United stars guaranteed a start under Eddie Howe after transfer window closes
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The comings and goings of the January transfer window can threaten to unsettle even the most established squads whilst Premier League and European action continues.
After a recent Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven, Newcastle prepare to head into a tricky run of away fixtures– but who will retain their places in Eddie Howe’s starting XI? We’ve picked our five favourite contenders.
Bruno Guimarães
Despite limping off in Newcastle's most recent Champions League victory, Guimarães remains a constant in Howe’s side. The Brazilian has started 21 of 22 Premier League fixtures this season and has logged 2,703 minutes across all competitions for the Magpies in 2025/26.
Guimarães sits joint fifth out of all players in the league for goals scored with eight – the highest total of any midfielder – whilst also ranking second in the league for through balls with 18. His willingness to drive the team forward is seen in his possession stats, sitting seventh among the league’s midfielders for touches with 1,495, fifth for completed long balls with 59, and tallying up 883 successful short passes, landing him ninth place. It seems Newcastle’s midfield revolves around Guimarães, making him undroppable - granted that he makes a swift return to fitness following his current ankle injury.
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Malick Thiaw
Thiaw has established himself as a key figure in the Magpie’s defence, as the centre-back has made 19 of 22 Premier league appearances and started all seven of Newcastle’s Champions league matches this season.
Equally effective at both ends, Thiaw is joint first among all defenders for league goals with three to his name. Defensively, he boasts a 90% pass completion rate from 950 possession passes, alongside 65 aerial duels won, 92 total duels, 22 tackles, and 19 interceptions. Away from the numbers, his consistency to produce clinical performances and his large presence on the pitch make him a near certainty in Howe’s back line.
Lewis Hall
Hall’s development over the past year has skyrocketed. Once fourth-choice at left back, the 20-year-old has worked his way into Newcastle's starting XI using his preferred left foot to produce consistently good results.
Hall is joint fourth in the league among defenders for corners taken with 28, while also contributing 16 interceptions, 28 tackles and five blocks. He battles his way through each game with a 68% dribbling success rate and a respectable 90 duels won. Now a trusted part of the Magpie’s defence, Hall looks firmly established on the left side.
Harvey Barnes
Barnes continues to deliver in key moments, most recently scoring in Newcastle’s 3–0 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven. The 28-year-old is joint fifth among Premier League midfielders for goals scored this season, having found the back of the net five times. Barnes also boasts an xG figure of 4.52 and ranks joint third for successful open-play crosses with 12, while his 77 touches in the opposition box place him fifth among midfielders. With form on his side, Barnes' starting spot appears secure.
Lewis Miley
At just 19, Miley has consistently impressed, delivering for Newcastle on the biggest stages. He has featured in six of Newcastle’s Champions League matches this season, becoming the Magpie’s youngest scorer in the competition with a goal in a 2-2 draw against Bayern Leverkusen. Consistent going forward, Miley also ranks joint ninth among midfielders for assists in the Premier League this season.
The youngster’s versatility was spotlighted when he filled in at right-back during Newcastle's December injury crisis, scoring a dramatic Carabao Cup quarter-final winner in the same game against Fulham. Handed the captain’s armband late on against PSV, it seems Miley’s involvement in the squad is sure to continue.
Honourable mentions - Yoane Wissa
Returning strongly from a long-term knee injury, Wissa scored on his full Champions League debut against PSV and is pushing for a regular role.
Jacob Murphy
Leading all midfielders for successful open-play crosses (20), Murphy’s consistency keeps him in contention.
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