Eddie Howe made late changes as Newcastle United cruised to a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace

Eddie Howe made four unusual substitutions midway through the second half on Saturday with Newcastle United leading 4-0 and Borussia Dortmund approaching. To finish the St James’ Park game, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron, Sandro Tonali, and Tino Livramento were all called off the bench.

In order to ensure that the Magpies could rest other options at Howe’s disposal, a massive £170 million worth of talent was called upon, not to go out and win the game. Howe wanted to save Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Kieran Trippier for the forthcoming Champions League match.

Tonali’s introduction was, understandably, the talking point of the four changes but it was telling that Trippier was one of the men to make way. A feeling the right-back hasn’t been too familiar with since arriving at Newcastle.

The right-back was one of the main men in the first-half as Newcastle ran riot. Howe, however, sees the need to protect the 33-year-old after a run of games for both club and country.

“He’s in great form at the minute, both attacking and defending,” the Newcastle boss said of Trippier at full-time. “I think his game is very strong.

“The only think we have to be wary of is his load and how much he is playing because he played with England and that’s a big effort from him. That’s why it was good to take him off and protect him. He’s a huge player.”

Newcastle are poised to go into the Dortmund clash on a high, with an improved bill of health. Isak’s cameo on Saturday proves he is in contention, while Joelinton managed a significant chunk of the 4-0 win.

Sven Botman, unfortunately, will likely miss out once again, while Joe Willock continues to step up his fitness push.