Newcastle United are preparing for a tough test against Marseille, and Eddie Howe’s team selection is already shaping into one of the most debated topics of the week.
After a mixed run of form, a strong performance against Manchester City has lifted confidence, but it has also created new dilemmas for the head coach. Some players are pushing strongly for a starting place, others are only just returning from injury, and a few big decisions seem unavoidable as Howe considers the right balance for a difficult European away night.
Nick Pope is one of the players whose place sparked plenty of conversation over the recent international break. Many felt his form had dipped and questioned whether he still deserved to be the club’s No.1.
But he delivered a commanding display at the weekend, making key saves and restoring calm to the defence. Even though he didn’t keep a clean sheet, his performance was enough to silence a lot of the doubts. His presence and experience remain vital, and dropping him now would feel like an unnecessary gamble.
Jacob Murphy may find himself filling an unusual role. Howe has always valued his work rate and discipline, and with Tino Livramento only just returning from injury, the manager may decide not to take a risk so soon.
That could push Murphy into a defensive position, something he has handled before when the team needed him. His versatility has often been overlooked, but this could be another moment where he proves his value beyond attacking contributions.
Fabian Schar was back to his best against City, showing calmness, intelligence and control in the heart of defence. He slotted in next to Malick Thiaw with ease and reminded everyone why he continues to be such an important figure.
His technical ability and reading of the game make him very hard to replace, and Howe will almost certainly want that stability in a match of this magnitude.
Thiaw himself has quickly become one of the most reliable players in the squad. His performance against Erling Haaland was almost flawless, and his presence brings a level of composure that spreads across the entire back line. At the moment, he might be the first name on the team sheet, purely because of how consistently he delivers.
On the left side, Dan Burn returns after suspension. His availability gives Howe a real decision to make. Burn has been a dependable defensive option for a long time, but the competition with Sven Botman is fierce.
Burn’s physical presence and leadership may give him the edge for this particular fixture, especially away from home where Newcastle will need to stay organised and disciplined.
In midfield, Bruno Guimarães was excellent at the weekend even if it went slightly unnoticed. His control, passing range, and ability to bring calm to the centre of the pitch make him crucial for a match like this.
Alongside him, Sandro Tonali continues to grow into his role and has already become one of Howe’s most trusted players. His energy, aggression and technical quality will be vital in a complicated and intense European atmosphere.
Joelinton is likely to be heavily involved too. Marseille are known for their physical approach, and if Newcastle are to win the midfield battle, they will need Joelinton’s strength and presence.
His ability to break up play, carry the ball and impose himself makes him one of the most important players for nights like this.
Anthony Elanga has had a slow start to life on Tyneside, but his best performances for the club have actually come in European competition. If Murphy is pushed into defence, Elanga could be handed another opportunity to show what he can offer going forward. He has the pace and directness that could trouble Marseille’s full-backs.
Nick Woltemade may not have scored at the weekend, but he was a constant threat and worked hard to occupy defenders. He forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into several saves and showed he can be a real handful even without getting on the scoresheet. His movement and willingness to press could make him the right choice to lead the line.
Harvey Barnes is currently one of the most in-form players at the club. He missed chances early in the game against City but responded with two brilliant finishes in the second half. His confidence is high, and even with Anthony Gordon returning, it feels almost impossible to leave him out right now.
Predicted Newcastle United XI vs Marseille
Nick Pope
Jacob Murphy
Fabian Schar
Malick Thiaw
Dan Burn
Bruno Guimaraes
Sandro Tonali
Joelinton
Anthony Elanga
Nick Woltemade
Harvey Barnes
