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da winzada777： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
After taking over from Rafa Benitez, Steve Bruce was always going to have a difficult job on his hands to convince the Newcastle faithful he is the right man for the job. A couple of months into his reign at St James’ Park, and there has been very little to shout about.
Aside from an impressive backs-to-the-wall win away at Tottenham, things just haven’t gone the Magpies’ way. After their opening six Premier League games, the Tyneside club have just five points on the board, and their 0-0 draw to Brighton last time out did nothing to whet the appetite.
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However, heading into the clash with Leicester on Sunday, Bruce must throw caution to the wind with his team selection, and simply show more attacking intent. Even if they lose, at least he will have shown the fans what they want – a desire to win. And with that in mind, here’s a look at how the Magpies could potentially line up at the weekend.
The main way of getting the side to be more adventurous? Moving away from the stale back-five that has dominated early proceedings. The approach has simply invited teams to overwhelm the Magpies and forced them onto the back-foot – this season, Newcastle have averaged a measly 37.7% possession in the Premier League.
That kind of defensive set-up may perform well against the big sides in the league, but against teams in and around them like Brighton, Bruce’s side could really do with taking the game to the opposition.
As such, a switch to a 4-2-3-1 could bring rich rewards. Not least of which would be some added support for club-record signing Joelinton. The Brazilian has valiantly battled at the top of the Newcastle attack with very little support. To put things into perspective, against Graham Potter’s side last weekend, the 23-year-old managed just 30 touches – the lowest of any player on the pitch who completed the full 90 minutes.
By having a formation with a five-man midfield, the Tyneside club stand a better chance of getting the best out of Joelinton and making sure he doesn’t get isolated. Miguel Almiron can play off him in the number ten role, whilst having Christian Atsu and Allan Saint-Maximin get to the by-line and put deliveries into the box will help in terms of the amount of service he will get.
Bruce may not be the most popular man around Newcastle, but with a tactical switch and greater willingness to play attacking football, he could slowly turn things around.