“Credit to the players, we never gave up,” said Eddie Howe after Newcastle United suffered a disappointing defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.
An expectant St James’ Park crowd watched their side draw a blank against their Bundesliga visitors midweek, falling to an underwhelming 1-0 defeat that throws their European qualification into jeopardy.
While they couldn’t find an equaliser, often lacking a little quality in the final third, Howe is right that his players gave everything they had. The Magpies will have to do the same when they travel to Molineux this Saturday to face an in-form Wolverhampton Wanderers who unbeaten in three and smelling blood ahead of the visit of a fatigued Newcastle team.
Matters haven’t been helped by a growing injury list on Tyneside, with Howe losing two more key players during Wednesday’s defeat. With a number of first-team stars still missing, the Newcastle boss has some big decisions to make ahead of his team’s trip to the Midlands this weekend.
GK: Nick Pope – Produced some fine saves midweek, including a delightful double stop to deny Donyell Malen and Niclas Fullkrug within the space of a few second. One of Newcastle’s strongest performers against Dortmund.
RB: Kieran Trippier – Has laid on some delightful assists in recent weeks from an advanced position, most recently for Jacob Murphy against Crystal Palace. Endured a difficult night on Wednesday, but should be back to his best at the weekend.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – The Englishman has filled in remarkably well for Sven Botman having been linked away from the club last summer. With his Dutch teammate still sidelined, he will start again on Saturday.
CB: Fabian Schar – Despite losing midweek, Schar didn’t do an awful lot wrong in the heart of defence.
LB: Dan Burn – Not his sharpest night against Dortmund, struggling at times with the pace of Malen. Substituted in favour of the more attack-minded Matt Targett in the second half, but should keep his starting spot at Molineux.
CM: Sean Longstaff – With Elliot Anderson injured and Sandro Tonali handed a ten-month suspension, Newcastle suddenly look a little light in midfield. Longstaff has been in top form since coming into the team but will have to fight off the returning Joe Willock for a starting berth.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – Quiet in midweek, letting the game pass him by, and should have been sent off against West Ham United prior to the international break. Perhaps needs a word or two from Howe to help him regain some form.
CM: Joelinton – Uber-aggressive in the centre of the park and could help dominate the midfield battle against Wolves’ two holding players.
RW: Miguel Almiron – One thing that’s guaranteed from the Paraguayan is immense work rate, which might be needed to cope with Wolves‘ double-up on the wings.
ST: Callum Wilson – Will replace the injured Alexander Isak. Despite missing a glorious chance for an equaliser midweek, the striker remains a wonderful option to bring into the team.
LW: Anthony Gordon – Easily Newcastle‘s liveliest and most effective player against Dortmund, at the heart of everything good that they did. Scored against Palace last weekend and will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday.
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