Howe drops big rotation hint and reveals two late calls ahead of Marseille clash

Newcastle United's hectic schedule will step up a notch over the coming weeks, with 10 fixtures to play in league, cup and Europe between now and New Year's Day.

With a busy run of Premier League games, starting with a vital away trip to Everton on Saturday, two Champions League games to come in the next fortnight and a Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Fulham in mid-December, there is no better time to have a deep squad.

On that note, Eddie Howe has some big calls to make, starting tonight as he decides whether to stick by most of the 11 who beat Man City on Saturday or rotate heavily with Saturday in mind.

Speaking to the media from the Stade Velodrome, Howe has already hinted at rotation, talking up the importance to "trust" his squad and hand opportunities to those "desperate to play".

"I've said many, many times this season that trusting the squad is really important. We have a squad of players who will be desperate to play.

"I do trust everybody but I think we have the depth to play these games. But playing the same players in every game will not help us achieve our objective.

"Every game is different, certain players will suit certain games so that is the decision I have to make. We want to win this game."

On that note, Howe has two important decisions to make at full-back, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall outstanding on Saturday, but key players who must be managed carefully after only just returning from si6-8 week injuries.

Discussing Hall and Tino's availability, Trippier's injury and our lack of options in full-back areas:

"That is the decision I have got to make, really. I have to consult the medical team and sports science team and come up with the right decision for both players.

"They are so important for us as you saw on Saturday. With Kieran's (Trippier) injury, we are not quite sure how long he will be out.

"That leaves us short of options for that position. It's a decision that I have to make overnight, for this game, but also protect them."

I think Tino could start again, expect Hall to be protected, Burn to return to the starting 11 and opportunities for Ramsey and Gordon to impress, with Elanga another option if Murphy is saved for Everton.