Three lineup changes that Steve Bruce should consider for Newcastle

Newcastle United desperately need a spark as their breathing room above the relegation zone was all but disappeared. Obviously, the transfer window is closed and a new player can’t be brought in to spice things up.

But, Steve Bruce has some options on his bench that could help kick Newcastle into gear vs. Wolves. The under-fire manager should adjust his starting lineup after two straight losses with essentially the same squad.

Against Manchester United, Bruce started 10 of the same players as he did vs. Chelsea earlier in the week. The only change he made was replacing Dwight Gayle with Joelinton in the attack. The Brazilian had a decent performance before having to sub off due to injury.

With a winnable match this weekend vs. Wolves, Bruce should consider making these three changes to his starting XI.

These lineup changes could help Newcastle United get back on track.

(One change that wasn’t included is Martin Dubravka taking over for Karl Darlow because it seems that one is already happening, which is a good thing.)

Jacob Murphy for Emil Krafth

Since taking over for the injured Javier Manquillo, Krafth has struggled mightily. He was exposed consistently by Timo Werner vs. Chelsea and was outplayed by Marcus Rashford the next time out.

While Murphy isn’t a huge upgrade defensively, his attacking ability helps make up for his shortcomings in marking. If neither Krafth or Murphy can defend consistently, Bruce might as well go with the player that can contribute going forward.

Matt Ritchie for Jamal Lewis

While he hasn’t been as poor as Krafth, Lewis hasn’t been everything he’s expected to be on the backline this season. He’s still young and will develop, but Newcastle don’t have the luxury of waiting for that to happen right now.

A return to the starting XI for Ritchie would help tactically and emotionally. He’s a veteran that knows how to have success at this level and is a major upgrade from Lewis in the attack. Also, Ritchie’s a passionate leader of this team and that would help with in-match motivation and accountability.

Ryan Fraser for Joelinton

At the moment, we don’t have much insight into Joelinton’s injury. But, this change should happen either way. With Miguel Almiron playing in the center of the attack vs. Manchester United, Joelinton was essentially reduced to playing on the right wing.

Against Wolves, Bruce should simply swap out a striker playing there and plug in Fraser. An attacking trio of Allan Saint-Maximin, Almiron, and Fraser is the most explosive currently available and would thrive on the counter-attack and pressing the backline.