Liam Kennedy’s Newcastle United XI v Leeds United - with THREE key changes
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Two teams, both looking for their first Premier League win of the 2021/22 season. Will Newcastle United or Leeds United break their three-point duck this evening?
Our writer Liam Kennedy takes a look at the Magpies XI he would pick at St James’ Park tonight and revises his thoughts on a system change.
System/formation
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Hide AdI’d like to have seen Steve Bruce go to a four at the back, but it seems to be becoming increasingly obvious he’s not of the mind to do that. So, I’m not going to keep beating that drum on here. Well, not this week, at least.
It’s expected Bruce will go with the 5-3-2 again against Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites - and that’s what we will stick with on NewcastleWorld. Below is the team I think should play tonight - with a few key team tweaks.
GOALKEEPER: Karl Darlow
Now does feel like the right time to take Freddie Woodman out of the Newcastle United, team especially now Darlow is fit and ready to get back in. It’s been a baptism of fire for Woodman, but it was never going to be easy with how easy United are to create chances against.
RIGHT WING-BACK: Javier Manquillo
Wasn’t covered in glory for Cristiano Ronaldo’s second at Old Trafford but did get himself on the scoresheet with a lung-busting run just before it. A better bet than Jacob Murphy defensively.
LEFT WING-BACK: Matt Ritchie
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Hide AdCreates chances. Whatever his defensive faults, his delivery and ability to open up opportunities means he’s cementing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet these days.
RIGHT CENTRAL DEFENDER: Fabian Schar
This was probably the toughest call in many ways. Isaac Hayden is a player who could, with the right coaching, potentially excel in the back three, but is now the right time to reinvent the wheel? Schar gets the nod.
LEFT CENTRAL DEFENDER: Federico Fernandez
This is probably the easiest change to make for me. All you have to ask yourself is, is Fernandez a better defender than Ciaran Clark?
And there’s your answer. He plays. Playing your better players, mostly, tends to get the best results.
CENTRE-HALF: Jamaal Lascelles
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Hide AdIt’s hard to say he’s had all that positive an impact on the team this season, but as skipper, for me, remains an automatic pick in the centre of defence. For now, at least.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Sean Longstaff
Has come in and done as well as can be expected in the deeper of the midfield roles. Doesn’t naturally suit his skill-set, as he can’t break forward and score goals, but has done a lot of the dirty work well. More development in this position could really prove beneficial for Longstaff.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Joe Willock
Bruce will be relieved Willock has been passed fit for this one, after again showing signs he’s back to his late season best against the Red Devils.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: Miguel Almiron
Much-improved performances at Old Trafford, after a very shaky start to the season. His energy and breaking of the lines could be crucial against a Leeds backline which can be got at.
FORWARD: Allan Saint-Maximin
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Hide AdMentioned a million and one times on here the Frenchman is Plan A, B and C for Newcastle United - and this week they need him to turn up with bells and whistles on.
FORWARD: Joelinton
A physical presence against Manchester United but still not good enough for some. A player who continues to struggle to convince the NUFC faithful.