Ever since Steve Bruce took over as manager, he’s raved about Dwight Gayle. However, the striker is yet to start a game this season. That should change against Manchester United.
The Magpies head to Old Trafford on Boxing Day, where they’ll face a Red Devils side who just lost to bottom of the league Watford.
Manchester United are there for the taking, and Newcastle should be in a confident move after the late win against Crystal Palace. Miguel Almiron’s confidence will certainly by high, that’s for sure.
But with Newcastle set to play two games in two days, Bruce must consider some changes for the Boxing Day game. Newcastle welcome Everton to St James’ Park on December 28th, which could be an interesting game following Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment.
Joelinton and Andy Carroll have started the last two games, but one of them must drop to the bench on Thursday. And while Carroll has had a bigger impact, he’s probably the player who should miss out. We know all about his fitness issues, and it might be best to save him for the Everton game.
Bruce’s system against Palace worked, and he should stick with it against Manchester United. Therefore, Dwight Gayle should come into the team for either Joelinton or Carroll. The striker has come off the bench in the last two games, nearly snatching a point against Burnley.
Gayle got a goal at Old Trafford in his last appearance there, and he’ll fancy his chances again up against an out of form Manchester United defence.
There are a lot of teams reportedly interested in the £15m-rated striker in January, but he deserves a chance to prove his worth before we consider selling him.
Bruce has raved about Gayle for months, but needs to give him a chance from the start. With rotation necessary over Christmas, Boxing Day seems like the perfect chance to bring him in.
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