Eddie Howe is facing one of his most delicate selection dilemmas of the season as Newcastle United prepare to host Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.
The Magpies are still licking their wounds after the disappointing 3-1 defeat to West Ham United at the weekend, a result that left both fans and players frustrated.
The question now is how they will respond when they step onto the European stage on Wednesday night at St James’ Park.
That setback in London has left Howe with a lot to think about. It wasn’t just the scoreline that hurt it was the manner of the performance. Newcastle looked flat, disconnected, and far from the high-intensity side that has thrilled supporters in recent months.
With the stakes higher in Europe, Howe must now decide whether to stick with the core of his regular starters or make sweeping changes to inject fresh energy and purpose into the team.
There is at least some good news on the defensive front. Kieran Trippier, who missed the West Ham game due to illness, is expected to make his return at right-back.
His leadership, set-piece ability, and composure on the ball were sorely missed at the weekend. However, the real intrigue lies in midfield, where Howe faces several tough calls that could define the rhythm and balance of Newcastle’s game.
Bruno Guimaraes remains a major doubt after missing open training on Tuesday due to illness. The Brazilian playmaker trained indoors on his own, with the coaching staff carefully monitoring his condition.
Howe confirmed in his pre-match press conference that a sickness bug had been making its way through the squad. “There seems to be a bit of illness going through the group,” Howe said.
“Sandro, Jacob Murphy, Bruno, and Kieran have all picked something up. We’ll make a decision on Bruno tomorrow. He’s such an important player for us, but he’s clearly not been himself, which is why he missed training.”
Should Guimaraes fail to recover in time, it would open the door for a rare tactical shift. Newcastle have yet to start a true three-man midfield this season, but this might be the perfect moment for Howe to unleash that trio.
Sandro Tonali will almost certainly anchor the midfield, offering his composure and range of passing at the base. That leaves two positions to fill one likely occupied by Joelinton, whose physicality and drive remain key components of Howe’s system. The remaining spot could become a battle between youth and experience.
Lewis Miley, the teenage prodigy, could be given the nod after impressing earlier in the season, particularly in the Champions League win over Benfica where he demonstrated intelligence beyond his years.
Having been rested for Newcastle’s last two matches, Miley is fresh and ready to seize another opportunity. Joe Willock, meanwhile, provides a more seasoned alternative, offering dynamism and box-to-box energy. Howe’s decision could depend on how adventurous he wants his side to be against the Spaniards.
Joelinton, despite his inconsistent domestic form, will likely retain his place on the left side of midfield. However, there’s growing competition for his spot from Jacob Ramsey, who has been pushing hard for inclusion after regaining full fitness.
Ramsey’s pressing ability and forward thrust could offer something different if Howe chooses to rotate.
The situation creates an interesting tactical possibility for Newcastle. A midfield trio of Tonali, Miley, and Joelinton could bring both stability and creativity a blend of defensive awareness, youthful enthusiasm, and raw strength.
It would also provide more balance in transitions, something Newcastle struggled with against West Ham when they were repeatedly exposed through the middle.
One thing Howe will be stressing to his players is the importance of a quick response. Champions League nights at St James’ Park carry a different energy and with the home crowd behind them, Newcastle will want to show that the setback in London was nothing more than a temporary stumble.
The aim is clear: to secure a third consecutive win in the competition and tighten their grip on qualification for the knockout stages.
If Newcastle can rediscover their tempo and aggression, there’s every chance they’ll bounce back in style. For Howe, the challenge is managing his resources wisely balancing the need for consistency with the freshness that rotation can bring.
With key players returning, others fighting for a place, and a new midfield combination possibly making its debut, this could be a turning point in Newcastle’s European campaign.
A victory against Athletic Bilbao would not only strengthen their position in the Champions League group but also restore belief within the squad. For the fans, it’s another chance to see their team under the bright lights of Europe, determined to prove they belong among the continent’s elite once again.
