Newcastle United are struggling with injury and suspension going into Saturday’s game against Liverpool, and that could open the door for Elliot Anderson to start his first ever Premier League game.
Eddie Howe is set to be without two of his star midfielders this weekend. Bruno Guimaraes serves the third and final game of his suspension, while Joe Willock looks set to miss out due to injury. He picked up a hamstring problem in the draw with Bournemouth, and is now a doubt for next week’s Carabao Cup final according to the Telegraph.
Being without those two players puts Howe in a difficult position. With Jonjo Shelvey leaving and Newcastle failing to sign a replacement, the Toon boss does not have many options to change his team.
When Willock was forced off against the Cherries, Anthony Gordon came on in his place. The January signing played as an attacking midfielder, with Newcastle changing formation from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1.
That is an option for Howe on Saturday, but he may be keen to keep a three-man midfield against a team as good as Liverpool.
If that is the case then Anderson could get the chance he has been waiting for all season.
Elliot Anderson yet to start a Premier League game
Anderson was the talk of the Toon during the summer. His performances in pre-season meant that Howe decided against loaning him out. It was decided that he had a role to play in the Premier League, which was a real testament to his performances.
However, 22 games in to the current campaign and the 20-year-old is yet to start. He has made 10 Premier League appearances, all of which have came off the bench. He has started three times this season, but they all came in the cup – including two starts in the Magpies’ run to Wembley.
The form of others has meant that Anderson has never really had a chance to start. But that could change on Saturday. He is capable of playing as a centre-midfielder, and it is where he has operated in all three of his starts in the cup.
Anderson can also play in a more advanced role, or out wide. But it is his centre-midfield ability that could get him in the starting XI against Liverpool.
Howe may decide that he wants to match the Reds’ three in midfield. If so, Anderson is the only real option to play alongside Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
It would be a big ask of the local lad, but what a time to make your first Premier League start. Saturday night underneath the St James’ Park lights against Liverpool, one week away from the League Cup final.
Gordon is probably more likely to take Willock’s place in the side, but Anderson is certainly an option. He has had to wait for an opportunity, and circumstance could hand him one this weekend.
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