A win for Newcastle United on Saturday could see Manchester United end the weekend in the bottom three.
Manchester United are desperate for a win after losing two of their first three games of the season. If it were not for a 99th minute penalty that was scored against Brighton, the Red Devils would only have one point to open the season.
Newcastle United are coming off an impressive 3-1 victory over Burnley, and they will be looking to pile on more misery for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team when they visit.
The second half of that last statement is especially true considering the support Manchester United gave for Liverpool’s proposal on how to restructure the Premier League and English football, in general.
Manchester United will be without Edinson Cavani (quarantine) and Anthony Martial (suspended), which does not bode well for them, but Newcastle United will have their main men ready to go. The following lineup for Newcastle United would be capable of claiming three points against the Red Devils.
Lineup Proposal
Formation: 4-2-3-1
With Martin Dubravka still recovering from his ankle surgery, Karl Darlow will be the best option to set up shop between the sticks once again. The back four should not see any experimental changes with Javier Manquillo, Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles, and Jamal Lewis in the lineup.
The duo in the middle of the park that would cause the most problems on both ends of the pitch consists of Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey. Hayden provides defensive stability and aggression, while Shelvey has the best field vision in the squad.
Ahead of them in the final third it is tough to predict who Bruce will go with, but he should deploy the following trio: Ryan Fraser, Joelinton, and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Even if Miguel Almiron is fit for action, the Magpies should be cautious with him after he pulled his muscle on international duty. For that reason, Joelinton, who has played well in recent games, should continue providing immediate support for Callum Wilson.
With four goals in just as many games, Wilson is on fire in the black and white stripes. His composure and accuracy in front of goal can carry Newcastle United past a talented, but currently frustrated Manchester United side at St. James’ Park.
Recap
Darlow; Manquillo, Fernandez, Lascelles, Lewis; Hayden, Shelvey; Fraser, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin; Wilson