Steve Bruce is set to stick with Matty Longstaff at Chelsea on Saturday, according to the Northern Echo, and it is a decision that will not be a shock to Newcastle fans.
He had an immediate impact against Manchester United in the last game, and makes perfect sense to give him another opportunity in the starting lineup.
The Northern Echo’s report also stated that Bruce will “challenge” Matty to “cement a place ahead of both Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey” in the Newcastle starting midfield.
It is a no-brainer that he should play in place of the suspended Hayden at Chelsea on Saturday and probably for the home game with Wolves the following week, particularly given the terrible form of Shelvey, and the forever underwhelming Ki Sung Yueng.
But when Hayden returns from suspension, he should be restored to the starting lineup by Bruce.
Other than his red-card at Leicester – which I still think was extremely harsh – Hayden has been nothing but dependable for the past year.
His form has been so good, that he should be one of the first names written on the team-sheet, and that should not change when he is available again.
Matty Longstaff will no longer be under opposing managers’ radar
Matty Longstaff was a breath of fresh air against Man United, but he had the advantage of coming into the game as something of an unknown quantity.
For subsequent games, particularly given the amount of exposure he has received, managers will know about him, and will have a plan to counter him.
He may, therefore, find it more difficult to replicate the level of display he showed on his Premier League debut.
If he does continue to excel, however, then Bruce will have some dilemmas, but whether Hayden starts, should not be one of them.
What Bruce could think of doing, is changing up his formation to include a midfield three of Hayden and both Longstaffs.
Alternatively, he could start with Sean Longstaff and Hayden, and use Matty as an impact substitute, with him likely to have a greater influence on a game from the bench than Hayden would.
Whatever happens, having Hayden in the starting XI long-term would give Bruce the best chance of success in the coming months.
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