Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is pondering a big decision to recall Fabian Schar for the trip to face Southampton.

The 33-year-old shook off illness to report for duty ahead of Saturday's clash with AFC Bournemouth but was told he would only be a substitute. Howe did eventually turn to the ex-Hoffenheim star but later admitted that his changes did not have the desired effect.

Schar's absence from the team resulted in an unbalanced back four, with two left-footed centre-backs, Sven Botman and Dan Burn, tasked with keeping Bournemouth's free-scoring attack at bay. Blyth lad Burn has been in the form of his life while it was a close call between Schar and Botman given the Swiss ace's illness, which caused him to miss the 3-0 win over Wolves, and the Dutchman's fitness levels after a long lay off with a knee injury.

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But one big name is going to be disappointed against the Saints this weekend. To bring back order and organisation, Howe may well turn to Schar again with the experienced defender hardly going to be happy with a back-up bench role.

Howe's other big call will be whether to stick with Jacob Murphy on the right or hand Miguel Almiron an opportunity. The 30-year-old has been linked with the exit door but is scheduled to be in the squad.

And head coach Howe insisted to me that while it was a risk to play Almiron when the club could lose a sale in January, it was one he was prepared to take. He told Chronicle Live: "Everything is a risk. I have a player in the squad that's fit and available, he wants to play. I have to use him to the best benefit of Newcastle United. Until the day he's not here."

Howe may ponder other changes by moving Joelinton further upfield into one of the wide areas, something Howe has done on four occasions so far this season. That would at least allow him to freshen up in midfield after a couple of leggy performances against Bournemouth with Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock both told they had a chance to stake a claim in training this week.

Howe is not the type to dismantle something that isn't broken so small tweaks are all he will bring into consideration ahead of the long trip to St Mary's. A total of 3,000 fans will make the journey to Hampshire hoping that Howe's 100% win record with Newcastle continues at the venue.