- Newcastle face Sunderland
- Eddie Howe has dropped Malick Thiaw
- Fans fume with the decision
Newcastle United fans have criticised Eddie Howe’s decision to drop Malick Thiaw for the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland today (March 22nd). The German defender has mostly been a mainstay in the Magpies’ starting lineup throughout his debut season.
Thiaw endured a torrid night against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League midweek. His side suffered a 7-2 loss (8-3 on aggregate) and he came in for heavy criticism from supporters.
The 24-year-old has otherwise fared well since arriving at St James’ Park from AC Milan last summer in a £35m. But his manager has made the decision to name him on the bench against the Black Cats.
Newcastle XI vs Sunderland
Howe’s bold call means Dan Burn partners Sven Botman in central defence. Thiaw had started all but one of his 27 league games before today, and it’s obvious the decision is down to his display at Camp Nou.
Aaron Ramsdale continues in goal, with Kieran Trippier at right-back and Lewis Hall at left-back. Sandro Tonali’s absence means Nick Woltemade comes into midfield alongside Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey.
Anthony Gordon will again lead the line, with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga on the wings. It means Howe has made two changes from the side that capitulated against Barca, with Woltemade and Botman coming into the starting lineup.
Fans Slam Howe’s Decision
A large section of the Toon Army have hit out at Howe and feel Thiaw has been hard done by. That was the stance given by one supporter on X:
“Why of all days is this the day to drop Thiaw? And if you were going to drop anyone why the f**k isn’t it Trippier?”
Another added: “Should’ve started Livramento, Thiaw and Wissa in my book.”
One supporter pointed out playing two left-footed centre-backs: “He’s dropped Thiaw for f**king keeping Dan burn in? Are we f**king serious here? Not one of those 2 left footers are comfortable at RCB.”
Another responded: “Thiaw benched… Can’t wait till the season is over.”
Alan Shearer stressed how vital it is that Newcastle bounce back from the Barca defeat with a win against Sunderland. Howe’s XI might not have gone down too well, but if his team claim all three points, nobody will be complaining.
The Magpies sit 11th in the Premier League, four points off European qualification spots. Revenge should be on the players’ minds after suffering a 1-0 loss at the Stadium of Light in the reverse fixture.
