Three changes Steve Bruce must make for Newcastle to defeat Brighton

Newcastle United are winless in their last five matches and have struggled consistently in those matchups. Tactically, there are a lot of changes that Steve Bruce should make.

But, because he’s stubborn and will likely stick with his current system, these three lineup decisions need to happen for Newcastle to reverse their recent struggles vs. Brighton.

Give Jacob Murphy a well-deserved start

In two of the club’s recent matches, Jacob Murphy has come off the bench to provide a spark and has earned a chance to start. Against Wolves, he put the ball on a silver platter for Joelinton to score a winner, but the Brazilian couldn’t convert.

Steve Bruce must make these three lineup changes to help Newcastle United take all three points.

Then, he blasted a shot off the crossbar vs. Aston Villa before assisting on Jamaal Lascelles’ late equalizer. Ideally, he would slot in on the right wing, but Bruce could also use him at right-back if the change below isn’t possible.

Return Javier Manquillo as the starting right-back

After an ankle injury put him on the shelf, Manquillo returned off the bench vs. Villa to replace Emil Krafth. If the club’s best right-back is healthy enough to start, you have to start him. Krafth has been better at times, but there’s a clear gap between he and Manquillo on both ends of the pitch.

Drop Paul Dummett at left-back

The reliable veteran has started the last two matches at left-back as Bruce was looking for a steady defensive presence. But, Dummett isn’t elite enough defensively to make up for his glaring lack of quality in the attack. The Newcastle boss should drop Dummett and either return Jamal Lewis to his starting position or plug Matt Ritchie in there for a more attacking approach.

Bonus: If Miguel Almiron is fit, put him in the lineup.

This one is so obvious even Bruce couldn’t look beyond it. If Miggy is ready to go, as Bruce has hinted towards in recent comments, he has to be in the starting lineup.