As Newcastle United prepare to face Leeds tonight, Eddie Howe’s pre-match press conference offered important clues about his likely starting lineup and tactical choices, particularly for the front three.
With the team playing their second game in just four days to kick off 2026, fitness and fatigue are central concerns. Howe confirmed that Jacob Murphy will be a “late call” due to hamstring muscle fatigue. He avoided a serious injury but was substituted during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace for management reasons. Anthony Elanga, meanwhile, is ruled out completely, leaving Newcastle short of options on the right wing.
This has led Howe to hint that Harvey Barnes could feature on the right side of attack. While Anthony Gordon remains a key winger, Howe admitted that Gordon is less comfortable playing on the right, and forcing him there may not produce the best results.
Barnes, on the other hand, has no such issue and is adaptable, having shown effectiveness across both flanks this season. Howe praised Barnes’ ability to operate between the lines, find pockets of space, and maintain his goal threat regardless of which side he plays on.
Barnes’ versatility and recent performances make him a strong candidate to replace Elanga on the right, allowing Newcastle to maintain attacking balance and fluidity in their forward movements.
At the top of the formation, Yoanne Wissa is unlikely to start given the demanding schedule of three games in eight days. This suggests that Nick Woltemade will lead the line once again, offering Newcastle a reliable and sharp option upfront.
With Gordon likely deployed on the left wing and Barnes on the right, the Magpies’ attacking trio is expected to be Woltemade flanked by these two dynamic wingers, capable of stretching defenses and creating chances.
Howe’s comments also underscore his focus on player preference and performance optimization. Forcing a player into an unfamiliar position could hinder overall effectiveness, whereas utilizing players in roles where they feel comfortable allows them to maximize their impact.
Barnes’ comfort on the right, combined with his ability to cut inside or deliver from wide areas, provides Newcastle with tactical flexibility without compromising attacking potency.
While the final decision on Murphy will be made late, the emerging picture suggests a forward setup designed to balance energy, creativity, and finishing threat. With Elanga unavailable, Barnes’ inclusion ensures Newcastle do not lose width or penetration on the right.
Woltemade’s presence at the spearhead provides continuity in attacking patterns, allowing the Magpies to sustain pressure and exploit defensive gaps. Gordon’s role on the left ensures speed, dribbling, and combination play remain integral parts of Newcastle’s attacking strategy.
In short, Howe appears ready to deploy a front three featuring Nick Woltemade leading the line, with Anthony Gordon on the left and Harvey Barnes on the right.
This configuration balances the team’s need for creativity, goal threat, and tactical stability, while managing player fatigue and injuries ahead of a congested start to the year.
Fans can likely expect to see this trio take the field at 7 pm when the official team sheet is announced, signaling Howe’s pragmatic approach to navigating a tight fixture schedule while maintaining attacking intensity and cohesion.
