Newcastle Toons
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This is the lineup Newcastle should experiment with against Crystal Palace

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Valentino Lazaro of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Norwich City at St. James Park on February 1, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Valentino Lazaro of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Norwich City at St. James Park on February 1, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United need to start scoring goals and this requires shifting a few players in different positions to maximize offensive output.

Newcastle United have a big game ahead of them this weekend when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. After being thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, the pressure is on the Magpies to bounce back and pursue three points against the Eagles on the road.

On paper, there is very little to separate Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in terms of quality. Games between these two teams at Selhurst Park have been close over the last two seasons, and another tight battle is expected to take place on Saturday. In order for Newcastle United to get over the line against Crystal Palace, Steve Bruce must make the following changes to the lineup:

  • Start Matt Ritchie at left wing-back
  • Start Valentino Lazaro out wide in place of Miguel Almiron
  • Start Miguel Almiron up top in place of Joelinton

Why These Particular Changes?

Valentino Lazaro showed Steve Bruce and the fans that he can be a dynamic threat on the wing offensively with his quick feet, impressive technical skills and sharp crosses into the box. The problem, however, is his defensive awareness and positioning. Lazaro was praised for his performance offensively, but he was at fault for two goals on Sunday. That being said, Bruce should turn to Matt Ritchie to play slightly ahead of the back-three on the wing.

As mentioned above, Lazaro is at his best playing higher up the pitch, so he should be playing on the flank opposite of Allan Saint-Maximin. As a result, Joelinton, who continues to struggle in the striker role, needs to be benched and replaced by Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan international plays in a more central attacking role for Paraguay, and he has played in this role for Atlanta United before making the move to Tyneside.

Next. Bruce has excelled in this area as NUFC head coach. dark

Almiron is a lighter player who would struggle going up against more aggressive center-backs, however, his pace and dribbling skills should give him a few opportunities to create some chances for himself in, or around, the penalty area. With four goals to his name across all competitions this season, this might be the best time to push Almiron into the striker role and see what he can do against another mid-table side.