You have to laugh at these ‘big problems’ now for Eddie Howe | OneFootball

I have been interested to hear about these ‘big problems’ that Eddie Howe has now.

Indeed, ‘problems’ that are apparently set to increase in the near future.

That is, if you believe the media.

Actually, these Eddie Howe problems are actually the exact opposite, at least for me.

As what the media are talking about are supposed dilemmas for the Newcastle United Head Coach, when he has too many options available to him.

Basically, supposed problems in terms of keeping players happy, when you can’t play everybody.

Botman or Burn (and/or Schar), Pope or Dubravka, that kind of thing.

Starting on Saturday, Newcastle United have six matches to play in 26 days, hopefully seven in 29/30 days, if getting past Birmingham in the FA Cup fourth round.

That then becomes eight or nine games minimum in 44 or 45 (hopefully!!!) days, when taking in the West Ham away match and Palace at home, or a trip to Wembley…

You really can’t have too many quality options to choose from.

It has actually been even more remarkable what Eddie Howe has achieved in recent months, considering how many Newcastle United players have been unavailable. Of course, nowhere near the ridiculous club history making list of long-term absentees last season, but nevertheless, still very substantial.

As others have mentioned previously, the idea that United have had a strong bench during this recent incredible 10 wins from 11 run, isn’t really true. Especially when it comes to attacking back up. Pope also unavailable, whilst Botman only recently returning.

Eddie Howe has been able to bring on subs who can help see a win out when United are already in control, as seen at Southampton and in other matches. However, when things going against us, the bench power hasn’t really been there, such as against Bournemouth, as well as a number of matches ahead of this eleven game run.

I am still not convinced that Liverpool are anything special, after all, they are relying on the same players who were at the club last season. However, I think they have been fortunate with injuries AND with a large expensive squad (transfer fees and wages), this season they can bring on five subs every match that arguably weakens very little, if at all, the team on the pitch.

The good news for Newcastle United is that despite not having the squad numbers the likes of Liverpool and others have, NUFC are at last moving back towards hopefully, hopefully, having the best available subs to impact games, as well as at times to rotate selection especially when having midweek matches.

Looking at this Newcastle United squad, this is how I probably see our strongest matchday 20 man squad, the starting eleven and subs.

Team: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Botman, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno, Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Subs: Dubravka/Vlachodimos, Trippier, Burn, Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Osula, Willock, Wilson, Barnes

That then leaves the likes of Targett, Kelly, Lascelles, Osula, Almiron and Krafth, as well as emerging young players such as Sanusi.

My intention here isn’t to start any arguments such as Pope or Dubravka, Botman or Burn and so on…

Although if say for example Newcastle United did end up in a cup final in the near future…that would be my first choice team above.

With this article though, my point is that it is a massive boost if we get the likes of Wilson and Barnes now back in the 20 man matchday squad, following in Botman and Pope who have recently came back in.

So say for example Eddie Howe was in a position of wanting/needing to bring on five subs, having the ability to bring on say Trippier, Burn, Willock, Barnes and Wilson doesn’t look too shabby. This of course also carries over to if Eddie Howe wants to rotate the squad from one match to another.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports (League Cup)

Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle (5.45pm) BBC1 and BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

(Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  NUFC will play in FA Cup fifth round if getting past Birmingham)

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 15 March – Newcastle v Crystal Palace (3pm)