The Magpies take on Aston Villa at St James’ Park this evening and then face a trip to Premier League relegation rivals Brighton and Hove Albion next weekend.
But, in putting this team together, I’ve taken into consideration that I do not believe, in all likelihood, Steve Bruce and Graeme Jones will alter the system and approach they implemented in recent weeks, which has, to some degrees, seen a very slight upturn in performance.
So I’ve stuck with the 4-3-3 with the false nine and split strikers, despite calling for a change in that department earlier this week.
Still, I have decided to bin some players who have struggled for United of late – and one or two of them are controversial calls, which I do not believe Bruce will make.
5. Isaac Hayden
The manager says he is playing with a slight problem, but Newcastle need him in midfield. At his best Hayden gives United a solid base upon which to build, but can be much more than that. I do, however, think a spell out on the left is a little beyond him, despite the changes made to the team in the second half at the Hawthorns. Photo: Pool
6. Sean Longstaff
He may lack the killer pass Jonjo Shelvey can play, on rare occasions, but he is a much more mobile option in midfield. Think this system might suit him down to the ground, too. With a little more freedom to roam in the left of the midfield three, Longstaff can cause problems for the opposition in an attacking sense. Photo: Pool
7. Joe Willock
On the right of the three it's fair to say the Arsenal loan man is a shoe-in. Bright in patches during his loan spell, United really struggle at times to create a forward base upon which Willock can feed off. He was up and alongside Callum Wilson for much of his debut, we've not seen anything like that kind of show since the striker suffered his hamstring problem. Photo: Alex Pantling
8. Dwight Gayle
Goals have been hard to come by recently and to his credit Gayle is capable of sticking chances away. He really needs to graft if brought into this system, mind. The Chelsea and West Brom shows were nowhere near good enough. Fingers crossed United can create for him, and he is smart enough to play the role and get into the positions he knows best. Photo: STU FORSTER