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Returning players and a formation change for Newcastle vs. Burnley

By Carson A Merk

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 30: Javier Manquillo of Newcastle in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Hibernian FC and Newcastle United FC at Easter Road on July 30, 2019 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 30: Javier Manquillo of Newcastle in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Hibernian FC and Newcastle United FC at Easter Road on July 30, 2019 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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After back-to-back losses, Newcastle United will deploy a new formation and five changes in the starting lineup vs. Burnley.

Newcastle United are set to host Burnley at the top of the hour. Steve Bruce’s side has lost back-to-back Premier League matches and he’s decided to make a lot changes from the starting lineup that faced Crystal Palace last weekend. We take a look at the Magpies’ squad that will face Burnley.

Starting XI

Dubravka

Manquillo/Fernandez/Lascelles (c)/Rose

Almiron/Hayden/Shelvey/Ritchie

Gayle/Joelinton

Bench

Darlow/Schar/Yedlin/Saint-Maximin/Bentaleb/S. Longstaff/Lejeune

Analysis

After refusing to make any notable tactical changes to the lineup to this point, it appears Steve Bruce has finally decided to change things up. In front of Martin Dubravka, there will be a back four of the returning Javier Manquillo, captain Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez, and Danny Rose. Isaac Hayden will play alongside Jonjo Shelvey in the central midfield as the club’s leading scorer gets back into the lineup after only resuming training this week. Miguel Almiron and Matt Ritchie will flank each side. With the backline shrinking from five to four, Bruce now is able to start two players up top as Joelinton will be joined by Dwight Gayle in the starting 11. This formation change should allow for Newcastle United to create more chances and the returns of Manquillo and Shelvey should pay off in a big way as their replacements have struggled mightily.

Related Story. The Magpies look to get back on track vs. Burnley. light

On the bench, Allan Saint-Maximin will be able to provide a spark in the second half, if needed. The presence of Nabil Bentaleb and Sean Longstaff will give Bruce a chance to sub off one of the wingers and add more stability with a holding midfielder. Florian Lejeune, Fabian Schar, and DeAndre Yedlin are all available as defensive depth.