Newcastle United: 3 players Bruce should not drop vs. Burnley
By Durim Halimi
Steve Bruce has another lineup dilemma on his hands with two games in four days, but there are three players he should save for Burnley.
Newcastle United departed London with a controversial, yet precious point in the bag on Sunday. Callum Wilson buried his penalty kick in the bottom corner in the 97th minute to make it 1-1 against Tottenham. That goal also marked Wilson’s second goal in three games.
Based on the quality he provides on the front line, his name is guaranteed to be on the team sheet every weekend, but there are three other players Steve Bruce should strongly consider keeping in the lineup.
The ultra-defensive tactics that were deployed on Sunday made it difficult for any player to have a meaningful impact, but the following players deserve to start against Burnley.
Joelinton
This is a rare occasion where Joelinton gets praised for his good run of form, and is recommended to be in the starting lineup. The Brazilian lit up Morecambe and he carried that momentum over to the game against Tottenham on Sunday.
Joelinton looked comfortable on the wing, was active offensively, confrontational defensively, and his overall work rate was unmatched in the squad.
Joelinton is not the fastest player on the wing, but Newcastle United will need his strength against an aggressive Burnley side, and his hold up play in the final third will be just as important. He might have some competition from Ryan Fraser this week, but Bruce does not think Fraser is at 100% just yet.
Miguel Almiron
Fans were fuming when they saw Andy Carroll get the nod over Miguel Almiron in the first two games of the season, and when the Paraguayan finally did start this past weekend, Bruce decided to park the bus. With those tactics it is obvious that a low ceiling of production is placed on the dynamic winger.
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Almiron’s pace and much-improved vision will be a major asset against Burnley. Bruce might be tempted to start Carroll to cope with Burnley’s tall back line, but Almiron’s technical skills and eye for goal will prove more beneficial. Hoof-ball is not the answer as more chances need to be created in the final third.
Jeff Hendrick
Summer signing Jeff Hendrick had a phenomenal debut with a goal and an assist against West Ham, but his form against Brighton and Tottenham was mediocre.
Bruce might have considered other midfielders, such as Sean Longstaff or Jacob Murphy, to start this coming weekend, but seeing that the opponent is Burnley, Hendrick should start once again.
No one knows Burnley as well as Hendrick does since he spent the last four seasons of his career with the Clarets. He understands their tactics, player habits, and he can be a key coordinator defensively with that knowledge.
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Furthermore, Hendrick will have some extra motivation to perform against his old club. That mentality is only natural, and it will be welcomed by the Toon Army.