I saw ‘unbelievable’ player cement his place in the Newcastle United starting XI, it’s bad news for a mainstay
Eddie Howe made nine changes to his Newcastle United team against Wolves on Wednesday night.
The big hitters who sat out the FA Cup win over Bromley were back, as Newcastle United beat Wolves 3-0.
It was a very comfortable victory, with Martin Dubravka and Joelinton the only players to retain their places in the Newcastle United starting XI.
There were not too many surprises when the team was announced. Of course Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali were going to return to the midfield, while it was always likely that Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak would be in attack.
However, there was one shock.
Sven Botman started for Newcastle United against Wolves
Ahead of facing Wolves, the big debate was who should start at centre-back. For the first time this season, Eddie Howe had a very difficult decision to make, with Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Sven Botman all available – or so we thought.
That was not the case, with Schar missing the game due to illness. Instead, Botman partnered Burn at centre-back, operating on the right like he did against Tottenham and Arsenal.
This was Botman’s third appearance since his return from injury, but his first at St James’ Park.
Interestingly, Botman’s last home game before Wednesday night was against Wolves last season – another game that Eddie Howe’s side won 3-0.
Botman’s performance could be bad news for Fabian Schar
Botman was outstanding against Wolves. The 25-year-old played incredibly well, dealing with the physical threat of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The Dutchman looked incredibly comfortable, as he continues to enjoy a really strong return to action.
Other than those first few minutes against Tottenham, it is as if Botman has not been away. He has returned at a really high level, which is remarkable after being out of action since March 2024.
Defensively, Botman was brilliant, but he was also excellent in possession. He is a great passer of the ball, showing a great willingness to break the lines with passes into Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. Sean Longstaff says Botman is ‘unbelievable’ on the ball, and that was certainly true against Wolves.
He showcased what we have been missing, and his performance is a big concern for Fabian Schar.
Based on current form and his display against Wolves, Howe cannot drop Botman. As long as he is fit, he should be starting.
But there is no reason to drop Burn, who also did well on Wednesday night. Burn is arguably Newcastle’s player of the season, as he helped the Magpies keep another clean sheet.
This could all culminate in Schar being on the bench, with the Swiss centre-back hopefully back in time for Saturday’s game against Bournemouth.
