Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle has some important calls to make for the visit of Hull City this weekend.
Newcastle United host newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday hoping to bounce back from their 4-1 hammering at Leeds United on Monday night.
Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle.placeholder image
Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle. | AFP via Getty Images
It was the Magpies’ first defeat of the new Premier League season, but the manner of it was cause for concern. Performances haven’t quite matched the results in recent weeks, and Matthias Jaissle’s side got what they deserved at Elland Road.
So, how will that impact Jaissle’s team selection? Here’s a look at the key calls that need to be made:
Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle has a number of injury concerns to deal withplaceholder image
Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle has a number of injury concerns to deal with | AFP via Getty Images
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Sean Steur and Lewis Miley midfield combo
With Joelinton still sidelined, Nico Gonzalez out due to concussion protocols and Jacob Ramsey a doubt with a groin injury, Jaissle’s hand looks set to be forced when selecting his midfield duo. But that might not necessarily be a bad thing.
Lewis Miley and Sean Steur’s last – and only – start together came against Liverpool on the opening day, and the pair seemed to complement each other well. For both players, it was their best performance of the campaign so far.
Miley has started every Premier League game since, while £50million summer signing Gonzalez has been preferred to Steur. But that is little reflection on the 18-year-old Dutchman, who has arguably been the pick of Newcastle’s young summer signings.
Admittedly, it was a tough night for Steur at Elland Road after he was at fault for Leeds’ second goal. But no one could accuse the teenager of hiding. He continually showed for the ball and looked to play forward whenever he could.
That’s bravery, and it’s a great trait to have, especially at such a young age. Newcastle should be encouraged by that.
Miley, meanwhile, possesses many of the same capabilities, but appears to have gone into his shell in recent games. Quite simply, he needs to show more.
Stay in the know with St James’ Park’s biggest stories and sign up for our FREE Newcastle United newsletter
Play Joe Willock... down the right
Anthony Elanga is set to be sidelined for the foreseeable future and Jacob Murphy is the only recognised replacement, but the 31-year-old’s poor performances against Millwall and Leeds have led to calls for him to be dropped from the starting XI.
Tino Livramento at right-back with Amar Dedic pushed further forward? Or what about Harvey Barnes or Bazoumana Toure? That’s some of the suggestions I’ve seen on social media this week. Personally, I’d be tempted to try Joe Willock out wide, with his pace and direct running offering some similarities to Elanga.
Willock could count himself a tad unlucky to have dropped to the bench against Leeds. Just six days earlier, the 27-year-old had run himself into the ground at Millwall and scored the goal that fired United into the next round of the Carabao Cup.
Stick with Matias Fernandez-Pardo - and play to his strengths
The reason Willock didn’t start was down to the decision to hand £51million deadline-day signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo his full debut.
The 21-year-old Belgian lined up as the central striker, with Yoane Wissa for company, and, to put it bluntly, was anonymous. However, he gets the benefit of the doubt.
Fernandez-Pardo had little to work with and spent most of his hour on the pitch chasing aimless long balls. If he is to be used as a striker – although, to be honest, he looks more of a winger to me – then Newcastle need to play to his strengths.