Eddie Howe has talked up Anthony Gordon’s chances of starting Saturday’s crucial clash with Liverpool at St James’ Park.
With Joe Willock now a serious doubt after limping off at Bournemouth with a hamstring injury, we saw our new £40m man operate in a central role in the 1-1 draw on the South Coast.
It was a poor performance on the night, but Gordon was lively in more of a No 10 role ahead of Joelinton and Sean Longstaff. With Bruno Guimaraes suspended, this could well be the midfield trio we are forced to start when Jurgen Klopp’s Reds come to town this weekend.
As for Joelinton, Howe admits it is a ‘concern’ that the Brazilian is now one booking away from a two-game ban after he picked up his ninth yellow of the season at the Vitality.
The good news is he will NOT miss the Carabao Cup final should he go into the book against Liverpool, but would then be suspended for upcoming league games against Man City and Wolves.
Starting with Gordon, here’s what the boss had to say when asked if the scouser has put himself in contention of a start on Saturday:
“Yeah, he has. It will be interesting!
But I have to say he’s trained really well, played really well in the two games he has had and we’re delighted with him.
“I think at times you have to be flexible. You can have a preferred way of playing but we’ll always be able to tweak certain personnel or systems and you have to.
“We were quite prepared to do that, we were prepared to do it and we knew it was an option for us. Anthony came on and did really well in that central zone.”
Howe on Joelinton walking the suspension tightrope:
“He is close to a suspension but he wouldn’t be cup-tied for the final even if he got another but he would miss the next two league games if that did happen.
“Look, we’re light in midfield, it is an area of concern for us so we’re desperately keen to keep him on the pitch without getting booked.”
Howe when asked if Joelinton will be told to cool it now he’s one yellow away from a two-game ban:
“No, I think I have had this discussion many times with different players.
“He is competitive, he is a fighter and wants to win. That at times will spill over into yellow cards.”
