Newcastle’s pre-season has been a bit shambolic – much like the club’s summer as a whole – and while results are largely irrelevant, confidence is vital, which is why the remaining two friendlies are important.
A heavy defeat against Wolves in China, a slim 1-0 win against West Ham and a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Preston show there is still much work to be done.
Overall fitness should be returning with each week of training, and Steve Bruce should be looking at the final couple of games as a chance to hone his preferred starting XI from the players he currently has.
Obviously he, like most fans, will be hoping for some new signings to come in before the Arsenal game, but for now, he has to work with those he has available, which means experimenting with two virtually separate lineups for each half must end.
Strongest available outfield XI should start
He needs to utilise what he sees as his best team, and let them gel together for at least 65 minutes of future friendlies – starting with the game at Hibernian.
Should he be genuinely unsure of who he considers first choice for a certain position, only then should he tinker to accommodate both players vying for the starting spot.
Darlow’s last chance to cement back-up role?
Bruce has already straight-batted answers to questions surrounding the absence of Martin Dubravka at Preston, and intimated that it will be Karl Darlow who starts at Easter Road.
But if that is the case, he must still be unsure about who should be on the bench during the season, and as such, is giving them time to try to make his own mind up. Dubravka will likely start against St Etienne at St James’ Park on Saturday instead.
But in the outfield positions, most of his preferred starters must be used for most of the time, in order to create some continuity.
Almiron and Joelinton need minutes together on the pitch
Take Miguel Almiron, who recently returned from the Copa America and new signing Joelinton. Their partnership will be crucial to Newcastle’s fortunes next season, and they need time together to create an understanding of each other’s game.
Of course, another striker could come in before the window closes, which could mean a different role for Almiron. But until that happens, Bruce must assume that this group of players will be his starters against Arsenal.
Shelvey should get a chance to make final midfield place his own
Similarly in midfield, with Sean Longstaff almost certain to start against the Gunners in a couple of weeks, and Hayden – if he stays – likely to partner him. But with Bruce’s seeming preference for the 3-5-2 or 3-5-1-1 formation, who takes the extra midfield spot is up in the air.
Jonjo Shelvey is likely to get the nod, with Ki Sung Yueng also in the frame. Whereas Matty Longstaff has impressed, any game time for Sean’s younger brother, or similarly Jack Colback – if he does not leave Tyneside – is likely to be from the bench.
So there are still several questions to be answered, but Bruce will likely have an ideal starting lineup for the Arsenal game formulated in his head, and the majority of them should be playing in both the upcoming games.
Which is why it should be expected to be a very strong team starting in Edinburgh tonight.
Predicted lineup to face Hibs: Darlow; Lascelles, Schar, Dummett; Manquillo, S. Longstaff, Hayden, Shelvey, Ritchie; Almiron, Joelinton.
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