Goal-scoring has become an enormous problem for Newcastle this season, with their grand total of five league goals being the joint second worst in the English top divisions.
Only beleaguered Bolton, who hardly have a senior player on their books have worse, with three, while bottom of the Premier League Watford equal Newcastle’s tally, in a woeful assessment of our scoring numbers.
There are some mitigating factors, however, with games against five of the ‘big six’ featuring in the opening fixtures, and a struggling Miguel Almiron not helping things.
But with options now available, who should Bruce play up front against Wolves on Sunday?
Joelinton
The record signing is struggling to find the net in the early games of his Newcastle career, and while it is unfair to apportion much of the blame to him, a break from the starting lineup may do him good.
He has been isolated in every game, and Steve Bruce’s defensive formation which have meant minimal possession have sold the Brazilian short somewhat, with him not able to hold the ball up for long periods and get into goal-scoring positions.
He is not Salomon Rondon, despite being a similar size, but he is having to play in a way alien to anything he has done before.
Andy Carroll
Carroll has taken time to reach peak fitness, and whether he is back to that now will not really be known until he is given a start.
Newcastle have rightly been careful with their handling of the summer signing, and he has gradually been given longer on the pitch as his recovery progresses.
The next step will be that start he craves, and if Newcastle could get an hour out of him on Sunday, he can give them a presence in the box they have been lacking so far.
Miguel Almiron
There is no doubt Almiron should be given a spell on the bench, and that Bruce has not realised that is damning to his managerial skills.
He has continued to insist the Pargauayan needs a goal, but how long can he give him? He needs to be utilised as an impact substitute, and in doing so, he is more likely to be a goal threrat against tiring defenders.
I am certain Almiron will come good, but his confidence is suffering with the pressure of not scoring, and failure to try something different with him could be a disaster for both him and the team.
Dwight Gayle
Gayle made his comeback at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and although he was not happy at not getting a single touch, he should be pleased just to be getting a second chance at the club.
Prolific in the Championship, he has never translated that to the Premier League, and until he gets goals consistenyl at that level, those concerns will remain.
That said, an eager Gayle, playing with a point to prove, could revitalise the Newcastle forward line. It is a decision for Bruce to make, and one that will either be a masterstroke, or a categoric disaster.
Allan Saint-Maximin
Saint-Maximin has been a revelation since recovering from the muscle injury that kept him out for so long at the start of his Toon career.
He looks dangerous every time he gets the ball, and is unquestionably a threat for Newcastle.
He looks brilliant on the wing, but there could be shout for him to be employed as a second striker, playing off the shoulder, or just behind one of the bigger target men
Each of the forwards bring something different to the side, and it will not be an easy decision for Bruce to make at the weekend.
But changes must be in the offing, and whether it is personnel or formation remains to be seen, but finding the right formula is imperative to Newcastle’s chances of Premier League survival this season.
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