It seems all but certain we’ll see a different formation when Newcastle take on Burnley.
Five at the back has become stale, with the Magpies becoming more and more inept offensively as the weeks go by.
Combine that with Ciaran Clark’s injury, and Steve Bruce has no choice but to shift to four at the back.
Dwight Gayle seems likely to start up top, meaning Joelinton will get a new role – unless he’s dropped completely.
Bruce has a few options when considering where to play the Brazilian. We’ve seen Joelinton play out wide from time to time, but he could also operate in a ‘number 10’ role just behind the striker.
However, the more important decision surrounds Miguel Almiron.
For the majority of the season, he’s played on the right. And it’s fair to say he’s wasted out there.
His best run of the season came during Allan Saint-Maximin’s absence when he was able to play on the left.
With a new system likely on the way, Bruce has a chance to forge a new role for the £21million Paraguayan.
The three options are: Play Almiron just behind the striker, continue with him on the right, or play a three-man midfield and start Almiron on the left of the trio.
Joelinton should be the one playing on the right. Almiron is wasted out there.
Ideally, he should be playing just behind Gayle and linking up with the striker. But a deeper role could also work. As long as he’s not stuck on the right…
The most important thing is that this new system improves Newcastle offensively. And to do that, we have to get more out of Miggy.
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