Newcastle United and Allan Saint-Maximin are in a difficult position heading into Thursday night’s game against Liverpool.
It’s hard to see how Eddie Howe’s side can get a result. We’ve won one game all season and boast the worst defence in the Premier League. Meanwhile, our opponents have scored more goals than anyone so far in the top flight.
With that in mind, defeat sadly feels inevitable for the Magpies. While it’s an awful attitude to have, Newcastle might just be trying to keep the score down and ensure their awful goal difference doesn’t get a hammering.
A switch to five at the back would be wise, meaning Howe will need to withdraw one of his attacking players.
And considering his defensive capabilities, or lack of, Saint-Maximin should be the one to make way.
Is there much point starting Saint-Maximin vs Liverpool?
While he’s sensational in possession and a delight to watch, Saint-Maximin should probably start on the bench at Anfield.
He’s struggling for form at the moment, with some fans concerned by his recent performances.
We’ll spend most of the night without the ball against Liverpool. Our midfielders are going to be asked to do a lot of defending.
That’s something Saint-Maximin doesn’t do. Some will argue that he’s so good that he doesn’t have to, but it does matter in a game where we may struggle to exploit his talents.
If we can stay in the game into the second half then the Frenchman can do damage off the bench. But the reasons to drop him outweigh the reasons to start him.
Our next two games are extremely tough. And with the way we’re playing, it’s incredibly difficult to see how we’ll get anything out of either of them.
There are bigger games ahead where Saint-Maximin will be the key man. But he’s not fit for purpose at this moment in time, which is why Howe should rest him against the Reds.
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