Newcastle United begin the week aiming to reignite a season that started well but is in danger of faltering if the Magpies are not careful. Head coach Matthias Jaissle faces an inquest at the training ground after two straight defeats, with the latest a loss at Aston Villa.
It is not panic stations yet, despite some overreaction at the weekend from certain quarters, but the warning signs should be clear for the German head coach. Following the press conference, Jaissle admitted he had a small squad and was limited with his choices amid a spate of injuries.
Defensive reshuffle on the cards
A double change in the heart of defence is feasible after shaky displays from Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman in recent games. Jaissle knows club captain Dan Burn is close to a return after two substitute appearances in the last two matches, at Coventry and at home to Villa.
Playing him in attack was merely the last throw of the dice against Unai Emery's men, a move that attracted criticism at the weekend given it was only for a few minutes. Getting Burn back in the heart of defence will be key, with pairing him alongside veteran Fabian Schar to bring familiarity to a back four that has lost some confidence a logical step.
Returning faces and attacking options
Amar Dedic is available again after suffering hamstring issues, and Newcastle could do with his marauding runs down the right. Dedic is one of Jaissle's trusted dressing room figures, and getting him back to bolster the defence ahead of stand-in full-back Lewis Miley is a positive step forward, a decision Jaissle is likely to make if he gets the green light from his medical staff.
Yoane Wissa, the DR Congo international, is an honest battler but is struggling for form in the final third. He had openings against Aston Villa but failed to take them and may be better suited to a role elsewhere in the frontline rather than being the focal point. William Osula has to be the main man in attack if fully fit, with glimpses of his ability seen in the second half when he made runs forward down the right.
Goalkeeper and midfield considerations
Arguably the toughest call Jaissle has to make is whether to change the goalkeeper. Lukas Hornicek may need a rest after some testing recent fixtures, with Nick Pope able to come in to help stop the rot and get match practice ahead of the Carabao Cup tie at Everton. Pope will have a point to prove and brings experience to the defensive rearguard. With Ewen Jaouen out until Christmas, this is the only option Jaissle has.
Bringing back teenager Sean Steur, who did nothing wrong in the 2-1 win over Hull and was many people's man of the match, would mean tweaking things with Nico Gonzalez or Joelinton missing out, something that seems unlikely. But the 18-year-old's high energy performances and determination would aid the team at Selhurst Park.
