Defensive decisions for Magpies boss
EDDIE Howe is facing two big calls in Saturday afternoon’s encounter against West Ham at St James’ Park.
The Magpies are back to work in the UK after the remainder of the Newcastle United squad who weren’t called up for international duty spent some time in Dubai in a behind closed doors training camp.
Howe will be eager to welcome his senior stars back from their various travels around the globe in the past few days and start operating with a full squad again.
Howe opted for a back five in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City in a rare move as he parked the bus at the Etihad Stadium before his squad broke up for the internationals.
It’s unlikely that Howe will go for a similar formation against the Hammers as he looks forward to playing back at St James’ when the home crowd will be expecting the Magpies to get on the front foot.
Reverting to a back four is arguably the easiest of the two big calls Howe has to make on Saturday. It will be his selection at left-back that will be under the microscope from supporters and pundits alike.
West Ham play with a 4-2-3-1 formation with pacy right-sided player Jarrod Bowen facing Newcastle’s left-hand side. The former Hull City man is enjoying a dream season again with 18 goals to his name and seven assists.
Howe must decide who to select at left-back with Dan Burn suffering against some of the Premier League’s speedsters this term. Although, he now has more than one option with Matt Targett again fully fit.
Targett returned from a hamstring injury two games ago but hasn’t made it off the bench at Chelsea and Man City in the FA Cup. The former Aston Villa star is raring to go after another week of training in Dubai.
Howe handed Lewis Hall some valuable minutes in the defeat at City and must also carefully consider Paul Dummett’s gametime with the former Wales defender afforded just one cameo substitute appearance at Sunderland in 2024 so far.