EDDIE Howe insists Newcastle United's midfield blend isn't an issue and has outlined his strong belief that "outstanding" Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton can be an effective trio for the Magpies.

Tonali and the two Brazilians have established themselves as Howe's first choice three in the middle of the park but questions have been raised in recent weeks as to whether the balance is right in the central area of the pitch.

Howe has more options in midfield than any other department, with Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley all on the bench at Chelsea at the weekend.

Howe could choose to freshen things up in that area for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Enzo Maresca's side but says he's seen nothing to make him think Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton can't make it work as a trio moving forward.

"The results will say the blend isn’t great but I think our general performances in midfield I haven’t had an issue with," he said.

"I don’t have a negative issue with our midfield. We have three outstanding starting players. Relationships do take time too build. These things don’t happen overnight, but I’ve seen enough to know that those three players can work in tandem together well."

He continued: "I am [happy]. I don’t think it’s absolutely perfect at the moment, because the results will tell you it’s not. But if you look at the team functioning, especially in the last three performances, we’ve been good in the main.

"We have been creating chances and have been more than competitive.

"I don’t see something that is drastically wrong looking at the team. Confidence wise, it may be beginning to be an issue. But we’re always looking at things and saying, 'How can we make this better?'. We had a few positional issues on Sunday that we will sit down and discuss with the players, but nothing that wouldn’t ordinarily happen anyway."

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Not for the first time, Howe's decision to withdraw Tonali in the second half at Stamford Bridge on Sunday sparked an angry response from the away fans.

Howe said: "Firstly, I love the fact the supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as I do. That is really pleasing.

"The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations towards me or any decisions are reflected after the game, not in the moment.

"I think it’s difficult then for the players coming onto the pitch. Not that it should necessarily affect their performance, but it just does create an element of doubt.

"The difficult decision I have, especially in midfield, is that we have three outstanding players starting the game. Then, you’re losing the game and you’re trying to make changes that you feel can help us, without leaving it too late. There is also a thing in my mind where you give a player 10 minutes and they don’t really get into game and find their rhythm.

"It’s a delicate balance. To do that, you then have to take a wide player off or one of the midfield players, or both depending on how many players I bring on. I am a manager that likes to make early changes, especially if we’re chasing a game.

"I’ve got a history of giving the players coming onto the pitch the best opportunity to perform. Someone has to come off and, when you look at our team, that is a difficult decision, especially in midfield. Ultimately, I’ve judged it on goals and creativity and trying to get as many of them in the team as I can when we chase a game."

Tonali has been replaced in every Premier League game he's started since his return from his betting ban.

Howe said: "I think there’s more to come from not just Sandro, from everybody.

"Of course there is more to come from him and the whole team. More from him means more influence on the game. Technically, he is an outstanding player. To see that technical ability we want him to get the ball more. Playing as a No.8 we need more of a goal threat too.

"That is such a key thing for the players in those positions. We have struggled for goals as a team. We need goals from every angle. Everyone has to contribute."