Steve Bruce is apparently considering a few tactical changes for Newcastle’s game with Leicester City on Sunday.
There are rumours that Jonjo Shelvey will be dropped after a poor display in the Toon’s 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Sean Longstaff has returned from an ankle injury and should take the place of the mercurial Shelvey.
Another change that Bruce is considering is to drop Miguel Almiron.
The Paraguayan has not provided a goal or an assist this season but has looked lively in games and is one of the Toon’s best-attacking outlets, however, according to a report the Newcastle manager may drop him.
The final tactical change that the Toon are considering is to move Fabian Schar into a midfield role.
The 27-year-old has a superb ability to carry the ball and also has a fantastic passing range but to take his defensive contributions out of the defence would be a major mistake.
Schar has made, on average 2.7 tackles per game and 2.5 interceptions.
He also made a stunning goal-line clearance on Saturday.
If he had played in midfield, he may not have been in that position to clear the ball.
Schar was excellent in the second half of last season, and he has continued that form into the early part of this season, and he does have the attributes to play him in the centre of the pitch, but Schar offers too much defensively for Bruce to risk moving him up the field.
I think that on Sunday Newcastle should replace Shelvey, but Almiron should not be dropped and Schar must remain in defence.