Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle faces a difficult decision over Lewis Miley this weekend as an improving injury situation gives him more options for the trip to Crystal Palace.
The Magpies travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday after three defeats in their last four Premier League games, with the only win in that run coming against Hull City. Jaissle has not yet had a fully-fit squad to pick from, but he should have more freedom when selecting his starting XI against Palace.
Four key players remain unavailable, yet the return of Joelinton is expected to see him start alongside Nico Gonzalez in midfield, making competition for places even tougher. Even if Jaissle switches formation to accommodate another midfielder, there is already a queue of players ready to take that spot.
Miley's role in question
The 20-year-old Miley has started every Premier League game to date but has moved to right-back for the last three after Amar Dedic picked up an injury. Dedic is now expected to be available for Palace and should return to his usual position after an excellent start to the season.
Miley began the campaign in midfield for the first four games, but all of those came before Joelinton's recovery. That raises the question of where the young Geordie will fit in this weekend.
Formation and competition
Jaissle has already faced questions over Sean Steur's lack of game time since his man-of-the-match display against Hull City, and he now has to accommodate Miley in his midfield options. A switch to a more familiar midfield three would allow one of the pair to start, although it would mean abandoning the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Miley could play in a more advanced role, but it is not one he is accustomed to, with Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey, once fit, more natural choices in that position. Newcastle are convinced Miley will be the poster boy for what they want to achieve in the future, but he may have a battle on his hands to start on Sunday.
