Eddie Howe faces a selection dilemma as Newcastle United gears up to face Arsenal, weighing his attacking options on the left side. With Joelinton and Joe Willock back in action, Howe could unleash this £65m duo to add fresh momentum to Newcastle’s left wing.

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United Lineup Options: Gordon, Barnes, or Joelinton?

As Newcastle United readies for a Premier League showdown with Arsenal, Eddie Howe’s wealth of left-side attacking options poses a welcome challenge. Usually, Howe has alternated between Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the left flank, but the recent 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea added new contenders to the mix. In that match, Howe chose Joelinton for the left side, supported closely by Willock—a pairing that proved pivotal when Newcastle qualified for the Champions League two seasons ago.

With Gordon shifting to the right in the Chelsea match and Barnes not making it off the bench, Howe now faces an exciting, if challenging, decision.

Eddie Howe’s Selection Dilemma: The Impact of Joelinton and Willock’s Partnership

Reflecting on his options for the left wing, Howe admits the choice is tough given Newcastle’s array of talent. “It’s a difficult position for me to pick because we have an array of riches on that side with Anthony, Harvey, Joe, and Joelinton,” Howe commented to NewcastleWorld. He noted how Joelinton and Willock complement each other when playing together, creating a balanced dynamic that the manager values.

When asked about Joelinton’s role, Howe praised the Brazilian’s versatility. “He’s not your conventional winger,” Howe remarked, highlighting Joelinton’s ability to adapt and his hybrid style of play. Howe’s decision to play him on the left allowed Willock to support him effectively, forming a robust duo capable of handling both offensive and defensive duties on that side of the pitch.

How Gordon, Barnes, Joelinton, and Willock Add Depth to Newcastle’s Left Side

While Barnes has often been a go-to choice on the left wing, Howe’s decision to deploy Joelinton and Willock against Chelsea demonstrated his confidence in this partnership. Moving Gordon to the right also allowed Howe to test Newcastle’s adaptability. Howe expressed his satisfaction with the setup: “Today we utilized Anthony on the right, he did fine, Joe Willock and Joelinton did really well down the left. I was really pleased with their solidity.”

The tactical flexibility provided by Joelinton and Willock’s partnership adds a unique dimension to Newcastle’s game, giving Howe the luxury of deploying different styles to match their opposition. This versatility will be key as Newcastle aims to maximize their chances against Arsenal’s defense.

Joelinton’s Unique Role and Howe’s Thoughts on Team Chemistry

Eddie Howe has previously praised Joelinton for his adaptability, calling him a “hybrid of different qualities.” This trait allows Joelinton to fit seamlessly into various roles, whether as a winger, midfielder, or forward. Howe commented, “If someone said to me, ‘What is Joelinton’s best position?’ I’d struggle to give you an answer, which is a brilliant thing for me to have within the squad.”

For Howe, the decision-making process isn’t just about individual talent but also about finding combinations that bring out the best in other players. The chemistry between Joelinton and Willock is a prime example of how player relationships influence his lineup choices. “Sometimes when you pick a team it’s not just about the player in the position, it’s about the relationships that form around and having an understanding and bringing out the best in other players,” Howe said, emphasizing how Willock and Joelinton’s cohesion on the field is crucial for team performance.

Injury Setbacks and Return to Form for Joelinton and Willock

Both Joelinton and Willock faced injury challenges last season, which limited Howe’s ability to field them together. With both players now back in action, Howe is eager to leverage their partnership for upcoming matches, especially high-stakes games like the Arsenal clash. Their combined skillset and shared experience bring depth to Newcastle’s options, with Howe hoping they can help Newcastle secure a victory on their home turf.

Newcastle United’s Arsenal Matchup: Howe’s Strategy to Keep Arsenal on Their Toes

With Arsenal’s strong attacking lineup, Eddie Howe knows Newcastle must be adaptable and prepared. The potential partnership of Joelinton and Willock could be an ideal counter to Arsenal’s style of play, allowing Newcastle to be both solid defensively and potent in attack. This flexibility could prove to be Newcastle’s secret weapon, catching Arsenal off-guard as they face a renewed, dynamic side.

For Newcastle United fans, the excitement builds as Howe teases the possibility of unleashing the Joelinton-Willock pairing once again. As the team aims for Premier League success, Howe’s roster depth and tactical considerations reflect a commitment to adaptability and cohesion on the pitch.