Matt Ritchie has spent a number of weeks out through injury, but the Chronicle’s chief football writer says if he is fit, he must start, but in place of who?
Newcastle have definitely missed the vocal contribution of the former Bournemouth winger, and he definitely brings something to the side that has been missing in his absence.
Usually, Ritchie would slot straight back in at left wing-back after returning from injury, but this time it is different, with the form of his replacement, Jetro Willems, being outstanding.
The way the Dutchman’s performances have got better every week, means Steve Bruce cannot possibly contemplate leaving the loanee out of the side.
So what are the options for the manager, if he wants to incorporate Ritchie in his starting XI?
The obvious one, is to abandon his five at the back, and go with just four, switching Willems to an orthodox full-back, and restoring Ritchie to his previous role of left-winger.
He could then have Ritchie on one flank, and the option of either Miguel Almiron or Allan Saint-Maximin on the other.
Whichever of those two is not put on the wing, could play a role in support of Joelinton, with them playing just behind, or alongside him.
That is fine if his return is the upcoming home game with Bournemouth.
But Bruce is likely to want to keep his five at the back for an away game, so he could also take Almiron out of the firing line, bring Ritchie into the left side of midfield, and have Saint-Maximan up front with the big number nine.
Bruce could take the easy option with Ritchie
That said, after such a long spell out of action, Bruce may opt for the easier option of easing Ritchie back in gradually, by giving him a spot on the bench for a couple of games, while he finds his feet again.
It is certainly a conundrum for Bruce, but it is the type of problem football managers say they like to have.
The problem for Bruce is, due to the amount of pressure he is constantly under from fans and the media – and rightly so – if he makes the wrong decision, he will be hearing about it for days, if not weeks, after.
But he is earning a big salary to make these decisions and get them right first time, which is why he was brought in as Rafa’s replacement. So sympathy for the Toon boss is very thin on the ground.
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