Eddie Howe has Newcastle options to replace Joelinton with potential surprise

Eddie Howe has Newcastle options to replace Joelinton with potential surprise

 

Eddie Howe has Newcastle options to replace Joelinton with potential surprise

The Magpies will assess the fitness of Brazilian midfielder Joelinton ahead of Sunday’s game with Liverpool at St James’ Park

Newcastle United are waiting for news on Joelinton’s injury after the Brazilian limped off in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. The No 7 has become a vital part of the Magpies’ midfield, with his performances earning a call up for his country over the summer.

However, Eddie Howe has plenty of options to call on should be be ruled out of Sunday’s game with Liverpool at St James’ Park. United could go like-for-like or would Howe be tempted to alter his formation?

 

We’ll find out the latest on Joelinton when Howe holds his pre-match press conference this morning, but in the meantime, here are some possible alternatives.

Like for like
The most likely option, with Howe having the perfect alternative to Joelinton in Sean Longstaff. The Geordie midfielder was perhaps unlucky to miss out on a place in the starting line-up for the first two matches of the season, but offers an ideal replacement. Longstaff’s box-to-box engine and ability to link defence with attack could be ideal against Liverpool.

 

Elliot Anderson is another who could slot straight into the Joelinton role. He excelled in pre-season and impressed in a second-half cameo at Manchester City. Whether he would get the nod ahead of the tried and tested Longstaff is debatable, but many fans would like to see him play a prominent role.