Newcastle United Q&A: Liam Kennedy and Miles Starforth's views on the Dubravka/Darlow debate, a 'split strikers' switch & more ahead of Wolves

Thirteen games to go and Newcastle United sit just three points above the Premier League relegation zone.
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Steve Bruce remains a manager under fire after his side produced a second-half collapse at Old Trafford that largely undid all of their good work in the opening hour, extending an awful run of Premier League results.

Tensions remain high among the fanbase and social media is awash with criticism. So what next for Newcastle United and Bruce?

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Wolves are the visitors to St James’ Park on Saturday – and the Magpies are in desperate need of a lift, with Crystal Palace and Fulham, who occupy third bottom at present, not in action until Sunday lunchtime.

Newcastle United's English goalkeeper Karl Darlow (L) and Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (R) warm up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Newcastle at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on February 21, 2021.Newcastle United's English goalkeeper Karl Darlow (L) and Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (R) warm up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Newcastle at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on February 21, 2021.
Newcastle United's English goalkeeper Karl Darlow (L) and Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (R) warm up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Newcastle at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on February 21, 2021.

So what formation should Bruce select, does he stick or twist with his goalkeeper and what about the striker situation? Our writers Liam Kennedy and Miles Starforth offer their views in our latest NUFC Q&A.

Do United stick or twist with their 'split strikers' formation?

LK: “I’d be tempted to switch it. Teams who play with width, as Wolves do, seem to be able to exploit United’s weak full-back slots far too easily with this narrow 4-3-3 formation. I know I have said before I would not change from a formation and approach that has seen a transformation in style, even if it has failed to deliver as many points as we’d all like, but I’d definitely tweak things at the weekend. Maybe a look at a 4-2-3-1 could work, with a central striker operating ahead of Miguel Almiron.”

MS: “The system, obviously, was working well with Wilson, and his absence is an ongoing problem for United. That said, the team has benefited from the change in tactics and system, and I think Bruce should, and will, persevere with the formation, even without Wilson. This team has been crying out for a way of playing, an identity, for 18 months, and performances, undoubtedly, have improved since Graeme Jones joined the club as Bruce assistant. Bruce should stick with it."

Karl Darlow or Martin Dubravka? Discuss.

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LK: “Martin Dubravka. Karl Darlow has had a good run, but it’s time for the No1 to return. He is one of United’s best players – and it would be mad to fight a relegation battle without all your top performers on the park. Well, the fit ones, anyway. I get why Steve Bruce didn’t put him in straight away, even if I didn’t agree with the call, but he has to change now with so much at stake. Waiting so long to make the decision has, in my opinion, highlighted a real weakness in the manager’s approach.”

MS: “I’ve believed, up to that error, Darlow had done more than enough to keep his place. He’s been superb this season, and goalkeeping hasn’t been much of an issue at all for Bruce, despite the loss of Dubravka. That said, Darlow will be disappointed at Marcus Rashford's goal at Old Trafford, and it feels the right time for the club’s No.1 to return.”

In light of the poor goals conceded at Man United, is the back four in need of a rejig?

LK: “Yes. I think it needs freshening up. It is hard to blame them totally, as the current system leaves them badly exposed from wide but collectively they’ve not been doing the simple things right. Too many poor goals conceded. It cost them a point at Old Trafford, which was well within their grasp. As well as Dubravka’s recall to add confidence behind the four, I want to see Federico Fernandez back in, and maybe even Paul Dummett. Both are, in my eyes, ‘proper’ defenders.”

MS: “I think the potential return of Federico Fernandez gives Bruce another decision to make as he's arguably been the club's most consistent defender under Bruce, though the main concerns are at full-back, and Bruce doesn’t have too many options. Paul Dummett is a strong candidate to start if he’s fit enough. The other issue, for me, is the protection the full-backs have been getting in this narrower formation. The midfield needs to pick up the opposition’s over-lapping full-backs. At times, Emil Krafth, for example, has had two players running at him.”

Should Andy Carroll or Dwight Gayle get a recall?

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LK: “Things haven’t been right between Bruce and Dwight Gayle. His lack of minutes is the most obvious tell in that regard. He is, however, a striker who can score goals. And if he can be brought into the game centrally, and provided with some service, then I think he can make a big difference over the next few weeks. I also think Andy Carroll has been unlucky not to get more time on the pitch. He had a solid January but has barely been seen since.”

MS: “Bruce has another decision to make up front even if Joelinton is passed fit. Joelinton can be far too unselfish in front of goal, and Bruce needs a player who’s determined to take every chance that comes his way. Gayle was disappointing at Chelsea, but he’ll be better, hopefully, for the minutes he got under his belt at Stamford Bridge.”

Result prediction for Saturday (v Wolves) and scoreline…

LK: “Like the encounter at Molineux, this one has 1-1 written all over it for me. And that’ll make West Brom a nervy, must-win encounter, as a result.”

MS: “I don’t want to tempt fate, but I’m going for a home win by the odd goal, so I’ll go for 2-1 to United.”

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