While there hasn’t been any definitive word from Newcastle United on Callum Wilson’s hamstring injury, it’s fair to expect him to miss the next match vs. Chelsea. If Wilson can’t go on Monday, Steve Bruce will be left with some decisions to make in his starting lineup.
The lack of Wilson shouldn’t encourage Bruce to move back to a five-man backline, so it should remain a standard four-man defense. Emil Krafth will likely step into the right-back spot with Javier Manquillo injured. Opposite him, Jamal Lewis is starting to look more comfortable as the starting left-back. In the middle, Ciaran Clark would be penciled in next to either Jamaal Lascelles or Federico Fernandez if they’re healthy or Isaac Hayden if they’re not.
Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock should keep their spots in the central midfield. Jeff Hendrick will be absent after receiving a red card vs. Southampton and Newcastle fans won’t be upset about that.
Bruce’s decision at striker could impact what he does across the attack. If he elects for Andy Carroll, you would likely see him as the lone striker with Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin on opposite wings.
If he turns to Joelinton instead, the Brazilian is comfortable on a wing and could play as a striking duo with either Miggy or ASM playing just off of him. In that scenario, the other player may slot in as a number ten.
With some fans hoping for Dwight Gayle to get a chance, that would be the group with the most pace and he could either play as the only striker making runs in behind.
Bruce hasn’t shied away from using two strikers in the past and we could see a big combination of Joelinton and Carroll, a quicker duo of Joelinton and Gayle, or a mix of big and past with Gayle plus Carroll. That would cost Bruce an option on the wing or in the midfield.
In most of these scenarios, Willock could potentially play as a pseudo winger opposite Saint-Maximin to provide width if Bruce wants to plug Hayden back in the center of the park.
There will be some decisions to make and Bruce will need to pull the right strings if Newcastle want to score the upset win vs. Thomas Tuchel’s Blues.