Eddie Howe arrived at Newcastle United and gave the team intensity as their identity. His tried and trusted 4-3-3, with pace, pressing and a willingness to use football’s dark arts, made the Magpies unlikable to the outside world.
“We’re not here to be popular, we are here to compete” was the phrase Howe coined that resonated so deeply with the black-and-white faithful. Two Champions League qualifications and a Carabao Cup put his words into action.
However, this season, a weak Newcastle have reneged on everything that made them great. United look lethargic and limp. Zero fight shown against bitter rivals Sunderland has left St James’ Park exposed ahead of tonight’s carabao Cup quarter-final - another defeat and things could turn ugly.
It is time to shake up the system that has taken Howe to this point. NewcastleWorld has profiled a fresh 4-4-2 setup - a similar formation to what the Toon boss used at Bournemouth - to get the Magpies firing.
9. LM - Harvey Barnes
Barnes has scored seven goals across all competitions despite being in and out of the team. He must be pulling his hair out at Gordon still getting the nod. | Getty Images
10. ST - Nick Woltemade
Looked an inspired signing a month ago. Woltemade - a new cult hero in Sunderland of all places - hit the ground running but his magic shine has since rubbed off. | Getty Images
11. ST - Yoane Wissa
If fit, he has to come into the team. Be brave Mr Howe - and play your £125million strike force together. | Getty Images