Predicting Newcastle’s lineup to face Rochdale in the FA Cup is a seemingly impossible task.
Steve Bruce has injuries to contest with, youngsters on standby waiting for a chance, and a need to play a strong team after stating he’ll take the cup seriously.
So just how will he line up against the League One side?
Change of shape
With Newcastle’s injuries, it’s hard to see Bruce sticking with five at the back. It’ll more likely be a defensive four, with Martin Dubravka keeping his place in between the sticks.
Bruce confirmed on Friday that DeAndre Yedlin should be fit to play, meaning he’ll likely start at right back. On the opposite side will possibly be Emil Krafth, tasked with playing in an unfamiliar position.
Centre back is the big conundrum. Florian Lejeune desperately needs a rest, while Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles are all injured. Therefore, an academy graduate will have to partner Federico Fernandez.
We’re going to go with Ludwig Francillette, who has impressed since arriving in August.
Senior midfield
Despite the temptation to turn to youth, we expect Bruce to pick a strong midfield…well as strong as possible.
That means a start for Miguel Almiron, who should begin on the left with Christian Atsu on the right. In the middle should be Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, who could start against Wolves next week as well.
Two up top
Will Bruce go 4-4-2? Hopefully. If he does, it seems likely that Joelinton will start, with Andy Carroll ruled out due to injury. The Brazilian desperately needs a goal, and might fancy his chances against lesser opposition.
But who should play alongside Joelinton? Yoshinori Muto didn’t do much to impress against Leicester, while Bruce could also turn to youngsters Elias Sorensen and Tom Allan. However, the most likely option seems to be Dwight Gayle.
Predicted lineup to face Rochdale: Dubravka; Yedlin, Fernandez, Francillette, Krafth; Atsu, S.Longstaff, Hayden, Almiron; Joelinton, Gayle.
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