Three man midfield

Newcastle have found great success this term using a standard 4-2-3-1 formation and Rafa Benitez has a long association with that setup.

Still, as Shelvey’s creativity is so vital to that system, perhaps moving to a three-man midfield could help keep possession.

The likes of Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden are good, but not great, distributors so will require more time on the ball than the former Liverpool ace.

With those two playing ahead of a bruiser such as Cheick Tiote (yes, him), it would help find killer balls.