Eddie Howe faced two huge selection calls ahead of in-form Newcastle United's most recent outing at West Ham.
The first was one which dominated headlines, with glamour January recruit Bruno Guimaraes forced to settle for a place on the bench and a brief cameo once again.
It is a minor point of frustration for some even in the midst of Newcastle's six-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, but there is almost no doubt that United's number 39 will prove a key figure in seasons to come.
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Howe's second selection call at the London Stadium was therefore the most intriguing, with captain Jamaal Lascelles kept out of the team after Dan Burn's impressive debut.
The Magpies skipper missed the home victory over Aston Villa through illness, and Burn's resolute display alongside Fabian Schar was enough to convince the head coach against making a change.
It is a more than encouraging sign for Newcastle so soon into Howe's rebuild. Months ago, the current squad appeared bereft of confidence and ideas, but five January recruits and hard work behind the scenes has created a genuine competition for places.
Guimaraes' arrival is perhaps the most obvious example of this, with the high-profile signing forced to wait for his chance due to the stunning form of Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock.
Reflecting on these selection headaches, Howe told reporters following the 1-1 draw at West Ham: "I'll have to make a decision that's best for the team.
"You want a squad that's pushing and fighting for each other - I think whoever plays knows if they don't perform, they have a very good player waiting for their opportunity to get back in."
Lascelles came under fire during Newcastle's poor start to the season, but had previously started every top-flight match under Howe until the Hammers' draw.
The captain was prepared to come on as an emergency replacement for Emil Krath in the final seconds, but the full-time whistle prevented the proposed late substitution.
Howe's decision in the capital in and of itself would not be enough to raise concerns over Lascelles' future at St James' Park, with the head coach praising the 28-year-old following the 3-1 win against Everton.
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He said: “I’ve been very impressed with Jamaal since I’ve come in.
“I’ve seen a player that really wants to do well, is very open to learning and improving – and is very focused to achieve. I think he’s produced some very good performances for us.”
Lascelles' programme notes for the following home victory against Villa proves it is a mutual respect, with the captain writing: "He puts absolutely everything into us doing well on a matchday.
“You can see how much effort and passion and love he puts into the job.”
Newcastle may have disappointingly conceded from a set-piece, but it was an otherwise strong display which could once again dissuade Howe from making any changes at centre-back for the trip to Brentford.
Lascelles will inevitably feature in the remaining weeks of the season with either a loss of form, injuries or suspension almost certainly opening up a spot in defence.
It is most likely a case of two from four with Paul Dummett at centre-back, with Ciaran Clark omitted from the 25-man squad and Federico Fernandez clearly out of favour.
But Newcastle's continued interest in Sven Botman and further defensive reinforcements in the summer suggests Howe and the Magpies could be facing a decision on their skipper.
If Newcastle were able to negotiate a club-record deal for the Lille centre-back or make a similar investment on another defender, Lascelles could face the prospect of entering the new season as fourth choice.
BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand highlighted his 'reservation' over Botman ahead of the Ligue 1 side's defeat at Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with watching Newcastle fans seemingly unconvinced on social media.
However, the 22-year-old came in for praise from Magpies legend Alan Shearer and Don Hutchison, with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker even suggesting his former side Leicester City should consider a move.
Newcastle continue to monitor Botman's situation with the Netherlands under-21 international recently outlining his decision to leave this summer.
The centre-back described the rebuild at St James' Park as a 'nice project', but Serie A giants AC Milan and Tottenham have both been linked.
Botman's display at Stamford Bridge and in the second leg against Thomas Tuchel's side will be scrutinised by Magpies scouts ahead of a potential Premier League switch.
The pass success rate of 91% will undoubtedly interest Howe as he looks to transition Newcastle into a possession-based outfit, while the young defender tied with Thiago Silva for most aerial duels won on the night.
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Botman signing for Newcastle in the summer is far from a foregone conclusion, but a new centre-back should Premier League survival be secured is almost certain. United could yet return for Sevilla's Diego Carlos, while Joe Gomez is among the latest names linked.
Lascelles will have a key role to play in the battle to come both on the pitch and as a dressing room leader, particularly with the absence of Kieran Trippier.
But with two years left on his contract, Howe's latest selection call and Botman's positive display, Newcastle could be facing a big decision on their captain this summer.
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