Old fashioned 4-4-2

Could the recent run of three losses, coupled with Shelvey’s absence, finally prompt Rafa into moving to a 4-4-2 formation?

The Toon Army have eagerly been awaiting the Spaniard to pair both Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic up front, potentially creating a wonderfully lethal front line.

With the aforementioned Colback and Hayden more likely to adhere to strict positional instructions, it would afford the Magpies the tools for a traditional 4-4-2, making use of the likes of Yoan Gouffran and Matt Ritchie as more natural wingers.