Newcastle United are sinking - and fast. Consecutive Premier League defeats has sent alarm bells ringing around Tyneside louder than at any point during the Saudi-backed era.
There is no denying that the Magpies suffered a hangover from a hectic summer transfer window. However, Brentford - who put Newcastle to the sword on Sunday - have also been forced to rebuild in recent months.
The Bees lost their manager, captain and two main goalscorers to give Newcastle zero excuses for the weekend’s debacle. Fingers have been pointed at the manager, recruitment, the system and the hectic fixture for the recent downturn in form.
A quote often - some argue incorrectly - attributed to Albert Einstein reads: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results .” Using that logic, something has to change at St James’ Park.
NewcastleWorld have profiled a new-look system that could kick-start United’s stuttering season. Several high-profile figures have been axed, with this Magpies outfit operating in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
If Eddie Howe ripped up his trusted 4-3-3 and followed our lead, would Newcastle’s springboard into the European places? Take a look at our proposed XI below.
9. LM - Anthony Gordon
Gordon has been nowhere near his best for some time. How much is his drop-off down to the current hip injury? | Getty Images
10. AM - Nick Woltemade
Woltemade has done well with the little service provided so far. But the general consensus is that the German could show his true potential when dovetailing another striker. | Getty Images
11. ST - Yoane Wissa
Newcastle paid a lot of money for their new No.9 and are yet to see him kick a ball. Getting Wissa fit is United's biggest priority given the lack of potency up front. | Getty Images