This lineup change could help Newcastle United

Newcastle United have used the same starting lineup in both matches during Project Restart.

After three months of no soccer, Newcastle United have two matches under their belt during Project Restart. Steve Bruce played the same starting lineup in the win over Sheffield United and the draw with Aston Villa. While major overhauls are not needing, there is a slight change that could be successful for Newcastle United, especially if Matt Ritchie needs any time off to recover.

The Magpies could move Andy Carroll into the starting lineup and drop Ritchie to a substitute role, where he’s thrived before. With Carroll in the XI, you would start him up top and move Joelinton to the left wing. Miguel Almiron would stay as the number ten and Allan Saint-Maximin would start wide-right.

Carroll has been so good winning the ball and he’s the definition of a true striker. While he hasn’t scored a goal yet this season, he has a proven track record finding the net in the Premier League. He’s also a quality passer and would add another playmaker in the final third.

The move would allow Joelinton to play away from the number nine role, which is probably best for him. There would be less pressure on him to score and he could add some scoring punch from the left side. Saint-Maximin has found success on either side of the attack, so it wouldn’t hamper him to flip to the opposite wing.

If Ritchie does miss time with the injury he left with vs. Villa, the likeliest move would be to plug Valentino Lazaro into his place, but this altered lineup may be the best tactical change for Steve Bruce.