Newcastle United are starting to turn the corner with some positive results, but a busy schedule to conclude this month puts Steve Bruce in a dilemma regarding his lineup selections.
With four points from their last two games against Wolverhampton (1-1) and Chelsea (1-0), Newcastle United have extended their gap between themselves and the relegation zone to seven points. The Magpies are currently 12th in the table with 29 points. Newcastle United have a favorable schedule over the next few weeks with games against four mid-table clubs and one team in the relegation zone.
Before looking too far ahead, though, Steve Bruce must handle a major dilemma this week. On Tuesday evening Newcastle United will play under the lights of Goodison Park against Everton, and on Saturday they will host League One outfit Oxford United for their fourth round clash in the FA Cup.
That being said, Bruce cannot afford to make any mistakes when it comes to the lineups he deploys against Everton and Oxford United. The Magpies are only eleven points shy of reaching the 40 point tally, which is something they can achieve by the end of February or early March if the club can keep its key players healthy.
Approach Against Everton
A win is obviously the primary objective for any team going into a game, and Newcastle United are capable of defeating Everton on their turf with players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Matt Ritchie back in action. However, a draw should be perceived as a positive result. In my opinion, Bruce would be wise to approach this game with a slightly conservative lineup to ensure that he can deploy the strongest possible lineup against teams like Norwich City, Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Burnley over the next month.
In other words, Bruce should play the Longstaff brothers in the middle of the park, play Emil Krafth over Fabian Schar once more, and limit Allan Saint-Maximin to 60 or 65 minutes. Three points against Everton would be amazing for this squad to jump to 32 points in January, but Bruce should be cautious.
Approach Against Oxford United
Regardless of the lineup Bruce selects for Saturday’s FA Cup clash, Newcastle United will be the superior side. With last-placed Norwich City being the next Premier League opponent after this game, Bruce should not risk his best players against League One opposition.
Sticking with the Longstaff brothers in central midfield is a solid option, and resting either Jamaal Lascelles or Ciaran Clark by replacing one of them with Florian Lejeune would be a smart move as well. Christian Atsu is looking for more game time, so this gives Bruce the option of resting one of his key wingers. On the front-line, Joelinton might be the only striker who is fit to play, but if Dwight Gayle recovers from his hamstring injury he should get the nod.
How do you think Bruce should approach the next two games this coming week? Let us know in the comments section below.