Newcastle United are going to face a depleted Manchester United team on Wednesday, and that must come into consideration when Eddie Howe picks his starting XI.
The Newcastle United manager suddenly has a wealth of options to choose from, with his squad now much healthier and over the bulk of its injury problems. There are still key players that are absent, but Eddie Howe at least has choices to make all over the pitch.
He could mix it up at the back by starting Nick Pope or Kieran Trippier, while Joelinton gives Newcastle a different option in midfield.
The Magpies also have variety in attack, with Howe having four fully fit wingers to choose from at Old Trafford.
Anthony Gordon is nailed on to start on one flank, but the other is up for grabs.
Jacob Murphy should start for Newcastle against Manchester United
Howe has three options. He can continue with Jacob Murphy on the right, or he can bring in Miguel Almiron to take his place. The other option is to start Harvey Barnes and move Gordon to the right, as the former is more comfortable on the left.
Each options has pros and cons, but I believe that Eddie Howe should go with the former. Despite a really poor performance against Brighton, Howe should stick with Jacob Murphy for the Magpies’ biggest game of the season so far.
The 29-year-old has started Newcastle’s previous eight Premier League games, and that should become nine this week – but simply because of who he could be up against.
Why Eddie Howe should go with Murphy at Old Trafford
Selecting Murphy has more to do with who he could be facing, rather than his own form – although he was ‘fantastic’ in the recent 4-1 win over Burnley. He got two assists that day, and played a major role in another Toon goal.
When Newcastle face Man United, it will be a depleted Red Devils side. Bruno Fernandes could miss out, while they also have problems in defence.
One of those problems is at left-back, with Erik ten Hag destined to play someone out of position there. Either Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan Bissaka will be on the left of defence, despite both being predominantly right-footed.
And that is why Howe should go for Murphy, who is also right-footed.
If Howe were to start Almiron, the Paraguayan would probably have less joy. He always wants to come inside on his left foot, which would play into the hands of Dalot or Wan Bissaka.
We need a winger who can exploit the fact that they are playing on their weaker side, which means choosing Murphy and telling him to be direct. It could give us real joy, on a night where Newcastle could take a giant step towards European qualification.
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