Newcastle could welcome back two important midfielders to the starting line-up.
Newcastle United are certainly in need of a boost having lost their last four Premier League games in succession and they are set to be lifted by the return to action of midfielders Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden.
Merino featured as a substitute in the 3-0 loss at home to Watford after three games out with a back injury, while Hayden missed the defeat against the Hornets as he was suspended having reached five yellow cards this season.
Both players are in contention to return to the starting line-up when Newcastle face West Bromwich Albion away tomorrow night and manager Rafael Benitez will surely be considering starting both players, with his midfield in need of rejuvenation.
Mohamed Diame struggled against Watford and will surely be back on the bench against The Baggies, although Jonjo Shelvey, who has been wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Jamaal Lascelles, will hope to retain his place in the starting line-up.
There is a possibility that Benitez could fit all three of Shelvey, Hayden and Merino and switch to playing just one striker.
Using such a system should make Newcastle a more balanced side as it would give them defensive solidity and also more composure in possession.
Benitez surely needs to make changes to his team to get them out of this miserable run of form and this tactical tweak could well be the way forward.
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