Eddie Howe has Newcastle options to replace Joelinton with potential surprise in store for Liverpool
The Magpies will assess the fitness of Brazilian midfielder Joelinton ahead of Sunday’s game with Liverpool at St James’ Park
Newcastle United are waiting for news on Joelinton’s injury after the Brazilian limped off in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. The No 7 has become a vital part of the Magpies’ midfield, with his performances earning a call up for his country over the summer.
However, Eddie Howe has plenty of options to call on should be be ruled out of Sunday’s game with Liverpool at St James’ Park. United could go like-for-like or would Howe be tempted to alter his formation?
We’ll find out the latest on Joelinton when Howe holds his pre-match press conference this morning, but in the meantime, here are some possible alternatives.
Like for like
The most likely option, with Howe having the perfect alternative to Joelinton in Sean Longstaff. The Geordie midfielder was perhaps unlucky to miss out on a place in the starting line-up for the first two matches of the season, but offers an ideal replacement. Longstaff’s box-to-box engine and ability to link defence with attack could be ideal against Liverpool.
Elliot Anderson is another who could slot straight into the Joelinton role. He excelled in pre-season and impressed in a second-half cameo at Manchester City. Whether he would get the nod ahead of the tried and tested Longstaff is debatable, but many fans would like to see him play a prominent role.
Anderson, of course, started the game with Liverpool at St James’ Park last season, but was the unlucky man to make way when Nick Pope was sent off, Martin Dubravka coming on his place. And like-for-like replacement Joe Willock remains ruled out through injury.
No 10 option
Howe could spring what would be a big surprise and tweak the formation a little should Joelinton be ruled out. And one which perhaps involves the least change to the side would be to introduce a No 10 role.
That would allow Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali to play slightly deeper roles, and could be a way of getting Harvey Barnes into the side without dropping Anthony Gordon. The former Everton made could make the switch the a role just off front man Alexander Isak, with Barnes on the left. Alternatively, Isak himself could play that position with Callum Wilson restored to a No 9 role.
It would mean United had a formidable attacking line-up – but could leave them potentially light defensive, potentially with Bruno and Tonali both keen to get forward.
If playing a No 10 would be considered a surprise, then changing to a more 4-4-2 line up would certainly be a shock. However, it could be one to throw Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
Again, it would involve playing Bruno and Tonali as a central pair, but with the added security of two wide midfielders instead of attacking wingers. Up front, it could mean a rare sighting of the Isak-Wilson partnership as United look to exploit any potential weaknesses in the Liverpool back line.
Miguel Almiron, Gordon or Barnes could all be trusted to do the necessary work to cover the flanks and not leave United exposed, but would it mean the central pair would be over-run?