Fabian Schar should keep his place in Newcastle’s starting XI

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Newcastle United kept their third clean sheet of the season with a big 1-0 win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park this past weekend. The Magpies’ backline looked incredibly solid, with Dan Burn getting most of the praise. But Fabian Schar was also put in a great shift and deserves to keep his place in Newcastle’s starting XI ahead of the game against West Ham United

In Sunday’s fixture, Schar had to play some of the first half with a bandage around his head. He got a cut just by his eye, but by the second half he didn’t need to wear it anymore.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles missed the game due to an illness, and it saw Burn and Schar, 30, play alongside each other first time. Judging by the performance, it could be the best partnership going forward.

Burn and Schar could be the centre-back pairing Newcastle have been crying out for

It’s no secret for a long time that the defence has been a weakness for the Magpies this season. But things have turned around with two clean sheets in the last three games.

Burn offers height and a lot of composure at the back. He was given the ‘Man of the Match’ award by Sky Sports for his performance.

As for Schar, he’s a Switzerland international and is very good on the ball. The 30-year-old often plays the ball from deep and is the starting point for many Newcastle attacks.

Whilst Lascelles did look a lot better against Everton, the duo of Burn and Schar look to be a better fit. Furthermore, both hold the ball well. Schar does so better than the 6ft 7in man, but Burn is more than competent.

The two deserve to start alongside each other again against the Hammers. Furthermore, West Ham are having a great season and are tough opposition for the Toon. Eddie Howe will want to put out as strong a team as possible.

Also, the Magpies boss has played Schar in the majority of his games in charge. The defender has played in all bar one match for Howe – a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City – demonstrating that he’s a favourite of his.

Fabian Schar deserves to start the West Ham game. He and Burn proved why they’re an effective pairing with a clean sheet on their debut as a centre-back pairing. They compliment each other well and could be the starters going forward.