Newcastle United will need to be at their best defensively against Arsenal.
Eddie Howe has admitted his side’s recent difficulties at the back have been “far from ideal”, with the joint-best defence in the Premier League last season now being breached with regular and relative ease.
While Newcastle have already beaten the Gunners this season, things have changed since.
Indeed, the Gunners are back in the goals. They have bagged at least three goals in their last four Premier League games, at a time when Newcastle simply cannot keep them out.
They haven’t kept a clean sheet in the league since beating Fulham at December, amid serious question marks about the likes of Dan Burn.
Now, it seems like change could be afoot.
Arsenal vs Newcastle: Eddie Howe could make tactical change
Howe has largely adopted a 4-3-3 system since taking over as Newcastle manager. By and large, it has worked to a tee.
Still, according to the Daily Mail, a change is being considered.
They suggest a switch to a 3-5-2 set-up has been discussed behind the scenes. In fact, Newcastle are even said to have worked on it in training.
Should they deploy that system at the Emirates Stadium, Tino Livramento would most likely come into the side at left-back with Burn moving into a central defensive position.
Arsenal vs Newcastle today: Tactics may work
Livramento came on there against Aston Villa last month as Newcastle looked to protect Burn, so it’s not as if this is a completely alien thing to the team.
Given the defensive problems of late, why not look to change things? Losing at Arsenal, unless in embarrassing fashion, is hardly cause for a disaster, so attempting to tighten things up at the back seems wise.
Newcastle can hardly allow the Gunners to run rampant given their recent form.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
