This lineup gives Newcastle United the best chance to top Wolves

Newcastle United have another difficult test this weekend, and Steve Bruce must get his lineup spot on in order to stand a chance.

After suffering a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last time out, Newcastle United have to find a way to bounce back against Wolverhampton. Nuno Espirito Santo celebrated his team’s victory over Leeds United last weekend (1-0), and Wolves will not be lacking confidence after overcoming that unique challenge.

Newcastle United fans continue to lay into Bruce for his surprising lineup selections as he is rewarding players for past performances rather than playing his best team.

That needs to change this weekend or he can expect to feel the same heat Alan Pardew endured from the Toon Army a few years ago.

That being said, the following formation and selection changes should be implemented to give the Magpies the best chance of pulling off an upset at the Molineux Stadium.

Lineup Proposal

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Karl Darlow is expected to start in goal after some positive reports came out that his pain primarily stems from bruising, not a major injury.

Emil Krafth started the last two games, but Javier Manquillo, who is the best option at right-back, needs to take his place back to better cope with Wolves’ dynamic attack. Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles, and Jamal Lewis should all keep their places in the lineup.

Last weekend Bruce went with one line of four midfielders, but that midfield needs to be split in two, especially since Isaac Hayden is expected to miss this clash. Jonjo Shelvey and Jeff Hendrick should get the nod, but knowing Bruce it would not come as a surprise if he plays Fabian Schar (defender) alongside Shelvey.

The three attacking midfielders in the final third should make fans smile for the first time this season. The Toon Army has been crying out to see Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron, and Allan Saint-Maximin in action together to orchestrate the Magpies’ attacks. Bruce cannot ignore those calls much longer.

The quick, technically-gifted trio give Newcastle United the best chance of maintaining more possession, creating more meaningful chances, and scoring more goals.

Pair them up with Callum Wilson, and Newcastle United can confidently take the game to most opponents in the Premier League, and this includes Wolverhampton.

Sunday’s hosts have claimed two consecutive clean sheets heading into this game, so Bruce needs to think outside the box and deploy an attacking lineup to break them down at the Molineux Stadium.

Recap

Darlow; Manquillo, Fernandez, Lascelles, Lewis; Shelvey, Hendrick; Fraser, Almiron, Saint-Maximin; Wilson.