New players, a new head coach, and a new formation – there will be plenty for Newcastle United fans to get their head around when they take on Liverpool at St James' Park on Sunday. Matthias Jaissle has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 set-up throughout pre-season, which suggests a new-look attacking line-up could be in store against the Reds this weekend.
The German has plenty of attacking options at his disposal. The big question is who gets the nod to start. There are four wingers desperate for a first-team place in Harvey Barnes and Bazoumana Toure on the left, and Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy on the right, while the central roles are hotly contested. Nick Woltemade prefers the No 10 position, but has he done enough to earn a start, while Will Osula and Yoane Wissa are hungry for goals.
Lee Ryder's selection
Lee Ryder said he would love to see Newcastle make the most of their height, with Nick Woltemade just behind William Osula and some pace and guile out wide with Bazoumana Toure and Anthony Elanga. He noted that Elanga can bring experience and guile, as shown at the World Cup, while Toure has impressed in pre-season. Ryder added that Woltemade has operated just behind a striker before and done OK, but it would be great to see Osula get his chance to lead the line. His forward line: Toure, Woltemade, Osula, Elanga.
Sean McCormick's view
Sean McCormick stated it is clear from Jaissle's first four matches that the German will use a 4-2-3-1 formation with natural wingers. He said Elanga has had an excellent pre-season and is surely favourite to start on the right-wing ahead of Jacob Murphy, of whom doubts remain over his long-term future at St James' Park. McCormick noted a real 50/50 battle on the left where Barnes guarantees goals but Toure is absolutely electric, suggesting Newcastle may be best served starting Toure and utilising Barnes as a goalscoring impact substitute. He said the problem with playing 4-2-3-1 is that Newcastle don't have a natural number 10, as Woltemade has struggled in the role over the summer and Joe Willock is likely to leave the club in the next couple of weeks. McCormick added he would have liked to see Jacob Ramsey feature in the role in pre-season, but on the evidence of what has been seen, he believes Yoane Wissa is the strongest option to play behind Will Osula. His forward line: Elanga, Wissa, Toure; Osula.
Ross Gregory and Stuart Jamieson's picks
Ross Gregory said with Jaissle's preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation, he has plenty options for that Fab Front Four, but whether he can nail the best line-up this early in his tenure remains to be seen. He argued Barnes is one who really should be starting, offering a goal threat that few others possess, second top scorer behind Anthony Gordon who has left the club. Gregory noted the only issue is Barnes is best on the left, as is Toure who has looked electric since joining. He said Elanga seems in pole position, as does Osula for the No 9 role despite a lack of goals, but he would personally go with Wissa against Liverpool. For the No 10, Gregory said Wissa and Woltemade have both played there but his pick would be Ramsey, who would add a bit more depth to the midfield as well as an eye for a pass. His forward line: Elanga, Ramsey, Barnes; Wissa.
Stuart Jamieson said Newcastle's lack of an out-and-out goalscorer will cost them dearly this season, but they do have some exciting attacking talent, especially on the flanks. He said while Elanga has done well in pre-season, he would like to see Toure given a chance on the left, which means switching Barnes to the right flank. Jamieson argued Wissa has to be given an extended run in the team as a No 9 if he is to stand any chance of finding form, but the big question comes in that No 10 role. For him, the outstanding candidate is Ramsey, who has struggled to carve out a niche in the side so far but can unlock his huge potential by giving him creative responsibility there. His forward line: Barnes, Ramsey, Toure, Wissa.
