Newcastle welcome Watford to St James’ Park today, in the last game before the international break, with Steve Bruce hoping he can build on last week’s heroics at Tottenham.
With an injury tally long as my wife’s shopping list, there has to be some personnel and positional changes for the game, but hopefully Newcastle can keep the momentum they built up in the Capital last week.
Watford are struggling at the bottom of the table, and have not gained a single point so far this season, with manager Javi Gracia’s position already under threat, according to the Telepgraph.
But playing for their manager could make the Hornets difficult opponents, and Newcastle will be hoping an early goal can put doubt in their minds, and see any confidence they have ebb away.
Christian Atsu could get chance in Matt Ritchie’s absence
Atsu has looked impressive when he has come on from the bench this season, despite having only had minimal training following a summer injury.
He will only get stronger, and he may get his big chance to start in today’s game, with Matt Ritchie having been ruled out for up to two months.
The £6.2 million signing has often struggled to cement a place in the side due to inconsistent performances, but the early signs look better from the Ghanaian, and he has an opportunity to prove to everyone that this is his time.
Paul Dummett to revert to full-back
With doubts over both Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth, we may see Dummett switch from the third centre-back role he has excelled in this season, to his old position of full-back.
Should neither of the two new signings be deemed fit enough to play, it would be the logical option, with Javier Manquillo slotting in at right back.
It also keeps Bruce’s options open, with him able to use the two of them as orthodox full-backs in a flat back four, or with us being well-stacked at centre-back, he could stick to three in the middle, and bring Federico Fernandez in.
Return to bench for Matty Longstaff, but reprieve for Jonjo Shelvey
While Matty Longstaff put in a decent performance in the Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday, he will surely be back on the bench for the Watford game today.
But with a less defensive formation likely and Allan Saint-Maximin ruled out, Shelvey could be given the nod as the third cog in the Newcastle midfield machine.
Where Miguel Almiron played a deeper role at Spurs, he could be thrust forward as a second attacker, playing off the shoulder of Brazilian target man, Joelinton.
As much as I would love to see Bruce go for the 4-4-2 option, I think he will go four at the back, but with a midfield three, and Atsu and Almiron just behind Joelinton.
Predicted lineup to face Watford: Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Lascelles, Dummett; Hayden, Shelvey, Longstaff; Atsu, Almiron; Joelinton
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