Newcastle were active throughout the January transfer window as PIF moved to bring a number of players to Tyneside.

Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Chris Wood all joined on permanent deals, while Matt Targett was signed on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.

The Magpies are currently 18th in the table and facing a fight against relegation to the second tier, with these fresh additions potentially helping them to move out of the bottom three.

How could Howe's best XI look? Here is our take on it...

Dan Burn and Matt Targett could start in the back four for Howe, joining Trippier - who has already established himself at right-back.

The January signing from Brighton, Burn, has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.96 in the Premier League, whilst Targett has managed a score of 6.82. No Newcastle player with five or more league outings this term has achieved a higher rating in either of their positions, suggesting that they will be able to immediately improve the team.

In midfield, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey could keep their places, with new signing Guimaraes added to the starting XI. The Brazilian midfielder joins off the back of an impressive campaign in Ligue 1, averaging a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.30, which is why he could slot straight into the team.

Howe said of him: "Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I'm delighted to secure him. He strengthens the group immediately ready for the challenge ahead."

His consistently brilliant displays could provide a lift in the middle of the park alongside Shelvey and Joelinton. This could provide protection to the back four, whilst giving the attack some support going the other way - with Bruno averaging 1.8 key passes per game.

At the top end of the pitch, there may not be a place for Wood in the starting XI if Howe decides to go with a 4-5-1 formation. When Callum Wilson returns from injury, he should be the player leading the line for the Magpies, having scored six goals in 14 - compared to the former Burnley man's three in 19.

The New Zealand international could be used in a 4-4-2 set-up alongside Wilson, but in this best XI there is no room for him to play. Therefore, the January signing could end up on the bench as an impact substitute if Howe's best XI comes to fruition.

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