Newcastle United will be looking to get their Premier League campaign back on track when they clash with Brentford today, and Eddie Howe should be brave and drop Joelinton.
The Magpies suffered a shock 3-1 loss to West Ham United last time out, their fourth defeat in 10 games, and a major concern for Howe, who called his team 'unrecognisable'. One player who has been a shadow of his usual self is Joelinton, who has faltered recently, lacking his usual domineering presence in the middle of the park.
A trip to Brentford is always a tricky affair as Keith Andrews is proving doubters wrong, overseeing wins over Liverpool (3-2) and Manchester United (3-1) at the Gtech. Howe will know he needs his players to be at their best against the Bees and the midfield battle in west London is likely to be crucial.
Brentford vs Newcastle - Joelinton Axe Can Be Howe's Buzz Point
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Howe stuck with a midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in Newcastle's midweek 2-0 win over Athletic Club in the Champions League. His side put the West Ham defeat behind them to lift spirits at St James' Park amid a gloomy period.
Joelinton, who earns £187,000 per week, headed home the second on the night to relieve some criticism that has been coming his way from the Gallowgate End. The Brazilian midfielder was among several players called out for haphazard performances at the London Stadium last weekend.
While the 29-year-old may have started and scored on Wednesday, that shouldn't mean he's off the hook ahead of the trip to the Gtech. If anyone is dropping out of Howe's midfield, it's the Brazil international.
Jordan Henderson and Mikel Damsgaard ran the show for Brentford in their astonishing 3-2 win over Liverpool last month. They will need to be bested, and the way for Howe to do that is to line up with an energetic midfield, which means turning to a summer signing.
Give Jacob Ramsey a Chance
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Jacob Ramsey has started just one Premier League game for Newcastle since arriving from Aston Villa in the summer for £40 million. The versatile English midfielder nursed an ankle injury earlier this season, but has recovered to give Howe an option both in midfield and out wide.
The 24-year-old could be a clever choice to start and freshen up a midfield that was second best against West Ham last week. His energy could help deal with Damsgaard, a hardworking playmaker who will need to be addressed at the Gtech.
"Jacob offers versatility and his directness in attack has proven to be a real threat at this level in recent seasons. He performed very well in the Champions League last season too and we believe he'll be a major asset for us" - Howe after signing Ramsey.
Ramsey can also go forward and be a threat in transition, which will be important for Howe against a team who are sensational on the break. Should the Birmingham-born midfielder start, it may breathe new life into a Magpies side that has been nowhere near the team that achieved Carabao Cup success last season.