Con 1: Lack of pace

Newcastle at their worst this season have lacked pace and relied on Jonjo Shelvey finding a killer ball all too often.

As talented crosser of the ball as Downing is, he’s not exactly fleet-footed and wouldn’t break behind enemy lines often enough.

With Rafa Benitez largely operating with just Dwight Gayle up front this term, the Championship’s top scorer is unlikely to get on the end of too many crosses.