Newcastle United’s strongest starting XI looks very different to what it did a month ago.
The Magpies had a very busy January transfer window, making five new signings. Newcastle’s new owners brought in Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn on permanent deals. They also signed Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa.
Both Trippier and Wood have started every game possible since their respective Toon arrivals, but the other three are yet to make their debuts.
But how many of the new Toon recruits would feature in Eddie Howe’s strongest XI?
All change at the back for Newcastle
Our biggest problem this season has been the defence. We’ve been leaking far too many goals.
That’s why we signed three defenders in January, and arguably should have got a fourth. There was also speculation that we could sign a new goalkeeper as well.
However, for now Martin Dubravka remains the first choice stopper at St James’ Park – and rightly so.
Right-back has to be Trippier. He’s been sensational since arriving, adding class on the ball and providing a new vocal presence.
On the left should be Targett. The left-back slot has been up for grabs at Newcastle, with no one capable of grabbing it. Paul Dummett’s fitness is an issue, while Jamal Lewis is inconsistent. As for Matt Ritchie, he simply isn’t a defender.
Centre-back provides Howe with a big headache. New recruit Burn surely has to start, otherwise why did we sign him? But whose place should he take?
It would be a bold call by the manager, but we think the Magpies’ strongest centre-back pairing is Fabian Schar and Burn. Both are strong on the ball, which is what Howe wants from his defenders.
That means Lascelles would have to drop to the bench, and possibly pass the captain’s armband to Trippier.
Samba style in midfield
The midfield provides less of a conundrum. Bruno Guimaraes is an obvious starter. And he should be joined by the hero against Leeds Jonjo Shelvey.
As for the third midfielder, it’s hard to look past Joelinton. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff provide decent cover, but Howe’s midfield trio should be Shelvey in the middle of a Brazilian sandwhich.
No place for Chris Wood in strongest XI
Chris Wood is the only new signing who doesn’t get in our strongest starting XI. While the £25million man is a solid acquisition, he doesn’t get in the team ahead of Callum Wilson.
And by the looks of things, Howe’s current favoured formation is 4-3-3. That means Wood will have to settle for a role on the bench once Wilson returns to fitness.
With no other attacking reinforcements despite the Jesse Lingard rumours, Wilson should be flanked by Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Strongest XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Shelvey, Joelinton; Fraser, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
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