Proposed lineup vs. Bruce’s predicted lineup for Everton clash

Newcastle United will host Everton at St. James’ Park on Sunday, but will fans see any changes to the lineup?

From one difficult game to another, Newcastle United need to keep their focus and develop some consistency. Last weekend’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Wolves was a step up from their terrible shift against Manchester United the week before, but a lot of work still needs to be done offensively.

The Magpies have only opened up and displayed attacking football in two games this season – against West Ham (2-0) and Burnley (3-1). Everton sit at the top of the table and deserve respect, but Newcastle United can catch them off guard by scrapping their defensive tactics.

Steve Bruce is known for rewarding players for their performances from the week before when he selects his teams instead of thoroughly analyzing the upcoming matchup. That being said, here is the lineup we think Bruce will go with against Everton.

Predicting Bruce’s Lineup

Formation: 5-3-2

Darlow; Murphy, Fernandez, Lascelles, Schar, Lewis; Fraser, Hendrick, Saint-Maximin; Almiron, Wilson.

Proposed Lineup

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Compared to the lineup predicted above, the lineup I am proposing involves a different shape on the pitch, as well as a few different faces in the team sheet. In goal, and in defense, Karl Darlow, Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles, and Jamal Lewis should keep their places in the lineup.

Jacob Murphy played well against Wolves as a wing-back, and he scored the late equalizer, but the talent Everton have in the final third requires a true defender with proper defensive awareness. Javier Manquillo needs to be thrown into the mix for this one.

In midfield, a few changes are needed, especially with Jonjo Shelvey now out for a month. Isaac Hayden is the most consistent player in the squad, and Sean Longstaff can be a key player when he is confident.

The only way to re-gain that confidence is by getting a few games under his belt as a starter. Jeff Hendrick’s recent form should open the door for the local youngster.

The attacking quartet should remain unchanged from last weekend. Newcastle United only created five chances against Wolves, but Bruce’s tactics are to blame more than the players.

For example, it took Allan Saint-Maximin eleven minutes to get his first touch on the ball, and Callum Wilson only had one decent good look at goal. If Bruce sticks with these players and opens the game up a bit, then things could be quite different on Sunday.

Recap

Darlow; Manquillo, Fernandez, Lascelles, Lewis; Hayden, Longstaff; Fraser, Almiron, Saint-Maximin; Wilson.