Howe Should Replace Murphy with Barnes for Newcastle’s Match Against Ipswich

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe faces an important lineup decision for the team’s upcoming Premier League match against Ipswich Town. While Jacob Murphy has been a regular starter on the right wing, Howe should consider replacing him with Harvey Barnes to give Newcastle a more clinical attacking threat.

Murphy has featured prominently for Newcastle this season, starting 9 Premier League matches. However, his technical ability and end product have been inconsistent at times. Barnes, on the other hand, has proven to be a prolific goalscorer when given opportunities.

In 37 Premier League appearances for Newcastle across this season and last, Barnes has contributed an impressive 10 goals and 4 assists despite limited starts. His scoring rate of 0.60 goals per 90 minutes ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top 5 leagues.

While Murphy offers good work rate and consistency, Barnes provides a more clinical finishing touch that could be crucial against an Ipswich side that has conceded more goals than expected based on advanced metrics. Starting Barnes on the left wing and shifting Anthony Gordon to the right could give Newcastle the attacking edge needed to secure three points at Portman Road.

Howe will have to weigh the pros and cons, but unleashing Barnes’ goalscoring ability from the start may be Newcastle’s best path to victory in this important fixture. His clinical finishing could be the difference-maker against Ipswich’s vulnerable defense.