Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to be on the bench when the Magpies travel to Norwich City on Saturday, according to the Chronicle.
Saint-Maximin made his competitive United debut as a late substitute against Arsenal over the weekend, as Steve Bruce turned to his bench midway through the second-half looking for someone who can draw Newcastle back level.
The Frenchman’s introduction did not go as entirely to plan as Bruce may have hoped, though, as the boss could be seen barking orders for the summer signing to move in more centrally from his natural position on the wing.
His introduction also meant Miguel Almiron was forced to drop back into a deeper position ahead of Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie, despite performing admirably in a forward role alongside record signing Joelinton.
It was the first time that all three of Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Joelinton shared the pitch together, but will have to wait until Bruce makes changes against Norwich for a repeat, as it is expected our former OGC Nice star will be on the sidelines at kick-off.
The Chronicle note that Bruce may feel the Frenchman needs more time to adapt to the English game and get up to speed in the 53-year-old’s plans, that have seemed to include Almiron and Joelinton forming a front two from the off.
A change of tactics from the former Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa head coach is not expected, either, as his preferred midfield contingent are thought to be on offer for the trip to Carrow Road.
Here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted when the Chronicle shared that Saint-Maximin is likely to be on the bench at Norwich…
we have to go 3-4-3 against norwich in my opinion, midfield seemed too congested as soon as shelvey went off
— ross (@rossgranota) August 12, 2019
Start him go there with a clear plan an front 3 make a statement of intent.
— Danny Willatt ⚫⚪ (@D_W_NUFC) August 12, 2019
That’s fair enough but I want him to get at least 30 mins
— GucciHeadbandMerchant (@ScottRo22624847) August 12, 2019
Don’t see the harm in playing him. Unpredictable and direct. Just what is needed to be honest!
— Andy Hudson (@andyhudson77) August 12, 2019
Only nufc would buy an out and out winger knowing we have been playing wing backs for nearly 1 year now
— hutchy (@Hutchylegend) August 12, 2019
It can’t be because he needs to adjust to life in England, just look at his profiles on here & Instagram & you’ll see he’s loving life over here & when he’s played for us he’s adapted very easily into the EPL
— Jase ⚫️⚪️ (@jasonhebron) August 12, 2019
He looked better than Almiron.
— Mile High Geordie (@milehighgeordie) August 12, 2019
Amazing what happens when you leave signing players till as late as possible
— Mark (@mja1980) August 12, 2019
Rolls eyes….
— Simon (@LittleHenryD) August 12, 2019
Play a front three. It worked last season with very little pace. With ASM, Miggy and Joelinton we could tear teams apart. Also using players in positions they are best at. Miggy ain’t a number 10.
— Woodstock (@WoodyLad8) August 12, 2019
BRUCE REFUSING TO START THE FRONT 3 JOELINTON, SAINT-MAXIMIN, ALMIRON TOGETHER????
“EXPANSIVE FOOTBALL” YOU SAID.
???? pic.twitter.com/LjtUle6QCR
— Rafa Facts (@FactsRafa) August 12, 2019
Stick 5 defenders on the bench this week Bruce!
— Geordie Stu (@PW4STU) August 12, 2019