Newcastle must beat Brighton on Saturday night. It’s as simple as that.
The Magpies have drawn their last three games, but they all could have been wins if Newcastle had their best players fit, or Steve Bruce changed system.
While there is a chance that Miguel Almiron could feature, with the Paraguayan back in training, it seems more than likely that Newcastle will start the game at the Amex without their three most creative players.
If that is the case, Newcastle must move away from the diamond and ‘split striker’ system.
It’s been very clear in recent weeks that the system doesn’t work without our most creative players, particularly Almiron.
But Bruce has stubbornly stuck by his tactics, as his side failed to win.
The pressure is on against Brighton, and Bruce must be proactive. That means shifting to a 4-2-3-1.
Shelvey dropped
Newcastle should make two changes to the starting XI, as well changing system.
Firstly, Javi Manquillo should start ahead of Emil Krafth. The Spaniard is the better player of the two, and was sorely missed after his injury against Southampton.
The other change should see Jonjo Shelvey drop to the bench. The midfielder has been off the pace for a while.
But as Shelvey continues to underperform, Bruce sticks by his man.
However, that should change against Brighton. If we’re playing two holding midfielders, we need more mobility, which is why Joe Willock should partner Isaac Hayden.
In Shelvey’s place should be Jacob Murphy, who impressed off the bench against Aston Villa.
Murphy has been a positive impact late on, and deserves the chance to start on Saturday.
He can give us more natural width on the right, allowing Ryan Fraser to play on the left. And rather than having wide strikers, they should be out-and-out wingers.
Dwight Gayle through the middle
Newcastle are missing a goal threat right now.
Joelinton and Dwight Gayle started against Villa. The former played well but struggled in front of goal, while the latter couldn’t get into the game at all.
This is why Bruce must change system.
Gayle is our best goalscorer who is fit, and needs to play through the middle. He looked lost on the left, and didn’t improve when he played at the tip of the diamond.
Gayle needs to be though the middle, on the shoulder of the last man.
Joelinton can provide support, playing in an attacking midfield role just behind the striker. He played a similar role against Burnley alongside Wilson and thrived.
Newcastle haven’t had a goal threat in recent weeks. But if they shift to a 4-2-3-1 and play with proper wingers and a striker, they’ll have a much better chance.
How Newcastle should lineup vs Brighton: Dubravka; Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Willock, Hayden; Murphy, Joelinton, Fraser; Gayle.
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