OPINION
Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce would be wise to make three changes for Sunday’s clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Bruce’s team underperformed immensely against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, and so a trio of alterations sounds about right for the trip to the King Power.
Namely, Jamaal Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey and Christian Atsu should drop out, with Federico Fernandez, Sean Longstaff and Allan Saint-Maximin coming in for them.
Those three changes would likely be enough for Newcastle to be a bit more competitive this time out and at least threaten to upset the surging Foxes.
Martin Dubravka has to retain his place in between the sticks, despite being capable of dropping the odd clanger. At right wing back, Javier Manquillo absolutely has to start once again over the hapless Emil Krafth.
Jetro Willems is the main man on the left hand side of the defence with Matt Ritchie still out inured, and so should keep his place here. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett must stay where they are at the heart of the defence. However, Fernandez deserves the chance to show that he can be better than the inconsistent Lascelles.
In central midfield, Isaac Hayden undoubtedly has to continue, but his partner must change. The Chronicle reported on Saturday that Longstaff has trained all week after injury and, with Shelvey playing poorly of late, the youngster needs to replace the England international.
Although Miguel Almiron has possibly been even worse than Shelvey this term, Bruce needs to give his first choice front three a chance to show what they can do. With that said, the Paraguayan should stay where he is for now.
On the opposite flank, Saint-Maximin must come in for Atsu now that he’s fit again. Hopefully the Frenchman would be able to provide some much-needed creativity. Up front, Joelinton needs to start again with Andy Carroll not yet fully fit.
