Newcastle United started the opening day with a defeat as they were beaten narrowly by Arsenal by one goal to nil. The Magpies were stubborn with their defending, but the game was devoid of quality for the most parts as both teams failed to find any rhythm.
The Toon were in doldrums before the season began as they faced one debacle after another. A possible take over from wealthy owners didn’t pan out, Rafael Benitez departed from the club after both the parties failed to agree on a contract, and Steve Bruce was appointed as the manager. The exit of star players from last season like Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon didn’t help either. However, Newcastle had a decent final few weeks in the transfer market where the club invested a decent sum in bringing in new players most notably Joelinton for £35m.
The fans are obviously still miffed with what has gone around at the club, but they must be excited to see some exciting football at St. James’ Park with the new players coming in. Here is what their strongest lineup could look like here.
Formation (3-5-2)
Bruce showed in the first game that he is likely to stick with more or less what Benitez did at the club as he played a system with wingbacks along with three centre backs. Steve Bruce is also known as a manager who likes to play with two strikers up top. He had once said in 2018, ”Most people have seen me during my career. I’ve always wanted to play two up top.”
Defence
Martin Dubravka is an obvious choice for the no. 1 in goal. Jamaal Lascelles is a nailed-on starter in the middle of the three centre-halves. Fabian Schar is another one who is going to be a mainstay of this team. He should start on the right of Lascelles. Florian Lejeune will likely start ahead of Paul Dummett once he is fit as the other centre half.
Midfield
Javier Manquillo has done well as a right-sided wing-back, but Jetro Willems is an exciting talent who boasts plenty of pace. Once he settles in, he could start on the right. In the middle, Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey should get the nod to start. All three of them provide excellent work rate and have decent on the ball qualities as well. Shelvey is capable of scoring some spectacular goals from long range as well. Down the left, Bruce will probably have Matt Ritchie in the left wing-back role.
Attack
Miguel Almiron will likely play as a secondary striker looking to make runs of Joelinton who will play as the no. 9.
