Newcastle United face Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Champions League as Eddie Howe makes changes to his lineup following a tough Premier League defeat. The Magpies travel to Belgium with fresh injury concerns and a slightly reduced bench, but still with strong ambitions in their European campaign.
Newcastle United Starting XI vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Manager Eddie Howe has made two adjustments to his starting lineup after the dramatic 2-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Kieran Trippier returns to the team in place of the injured Tino Livramento, while Anthony Elanga is preferred over Jacob Murphy on the wing.
In goal, Nick Pope keeps his place, protected by a back four of Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn, with Lewis Hall only fit enough for the bench after recent fatigue issues.
The midfield remains unchanged, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton forming a strong central trio. Up front, Nick Woltemade starts his first-ever Champions League match, flanked by Anthony Gordon and Elanga.
Newcastle Bench Reduced After Injury Setbacks
For this Champions League clash, Newcastle United have named an 11-man bench instead of 12. Fabian Schar returns to the squad, but Howe chose not to call up another under-21 player to replace Livramento’s spot.
Injury concerns continue with Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey unavailable, while Jamaal Lascelles, Harrison Ashby, Mark Gillespie, and John Ruddy are ineligible due to squad registration rules.
Newcastle United Confirmed Lineup
Starting XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes (c), Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga.
Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Max Thompson, Fabian Schar, Harvey Barnes, Emil Krafth, Will Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Lewis Hall, Alex Murphy, Lewis Miley.
Eddie Howe’s Preview of Union SG vs Newcastle
Speaking ahead of the game, Howe praised Union Saint-Gilloise’s strong start to the season and warned of their physical style and dangerous strikers.
“They’re tactically interesting and pose a real physical threat. Away matches in the Champions League are always difficult, but these results are crucial for confidence and momentum.”
Howe also highlighted the importance of building psychological strength from away victories:
“Winning away elevates you. It lifts the team when you return home, and we need to create those moments again. We’ve been defensively strong, but now it’s about finding the confidence to make the difference in attack.”
Conclusion: A Crucial Test for Newcastle in Europe
The Newcastle vs Union Saint-Gilloise clash marks another big test in the Champions League journey for Eddie Howe’s side. With injuries affecting squad depth and a challenging away atmosphere, the Magpies will need resilience and clinical finishing to secure points in Belgium.
Their performance tonight could prove decisive in shaping their European campaign.
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