Predicted Newcastle team v Union Saint-Gilloise with these four changes | OneFootball

Looking at this Newcastle team v Union Saint-Gilloise.

Only hours to go now before the Champions League game at Anderlecht’s Lotto Park.

Newcastle United looking to post their first Champions League victory of the season.

A great effort against Barcelona but falling just short, a wonder goal denying United a draw.

Newcastle United now looking to get a valuable three CL points in Belgium.

As a reminder, this was the Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope, Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali, Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy

Eddie Howe said on Tuesday that Tino Livramento wouldn’t be available as the club wait to find out the extent of his injury picked up against Arsenal.

However, the NUFC Head Coach stating that he wasn’t aware of any other new injuries and more a case of checking on his players as to their physical condition, when training yesterday ahead of tonight’s match.

Still the case that both Ramsey and Wissa will hopefully return after the October internationals.

The good news is that Fabian Schar is now available, after having observed concussion protocols.

So where does that leave us?

This is my predicted Newcastle team v Union Saint-Gilloise:

Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali, Gordon, Woltemade, Elanga

If this proved the reality, it would see four changes to the eleven that started against Arsenal

Kieran Trippier coming in for the injured Tino looks straightforward on the right.

Whilst Eddie Howe explained that Lewis Hall didn’t feature on Sunday due to fatigue after starting two games in quick succession after so little football for so long. Safe to assume he will come back in on the left, where Burn filled in against Arsenal.

An interesting debate on the centre of defence, this now looking the strongest area of the pitch now when it comes to having a range of options.

Thiaw and Botman have impressed against Bradford and Arsenal but I can see Eddie Howe reverting to his long established Schar and Burn partnership for this game tonight. Then every chance of Thiaw and Botman back in on Sunday for the Forest game. To be honest, I would be comfortable with any two from four that Eddie Howe chooses in any match, though ideally a right and left footer I suppose.

I think this is a huge early season match and Eddie Howe will want his first choice midfield in place for sure, unless injury or fatigue prevents that.

I don’t see Nick Pope losing his place yes he unsuccessfully came for the corner in a crowded penalty area when Arsenal got their winner on Sunday. However he made some outstanding saves to keep United in the match and his all round game was very good, apart from repeatedly kicking long and Newcastle losing possession, with Arsenal’s high press.

That leaves the forward trio.

I think it is possible Eddie Howe could go with a change to a mobile front two of Elanga and Gordon, or even just Gordon through the middle. However, on balance, I think Nick Woltemade will start with Gordon staying on the left and Elanga coming in for Murphy on the right.