Newcastle must spring tactical surprise to beat West Brom

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Newcastle have suffered four successive defeats and find themselves devoid of confidence.

Rafa Benitez’s tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 formation simply has not worked in recent matches as Newcastle suffered their fourth straight defeat against Watford at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

The pace of Richarlison, Andre Gray and Kiko Femenia proved too much for Newcastle’s back four, who conceded three goals without reply despite having home advantage.

Watford gave the Toon a footballing lesson, boasting speed and precision on the counter attack but proving compact and solid at the back as they fielded a 3-4-2-1 system that has been used so well by Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham in recent times.

Benitez must admit that his four-man defence is becoming outdated and should not be ashamed in copying Watford’s tactics, if he is to mastermind a Toon win against West Brom on Tuesday night.

Newcastle started with a back four of DeAndre Yedlin, Florian Lejeune, Ciaran Clark and Javier Manquillo on Saturday, but it should be the latter who makes way to allow Benitez to adopt a three-man defence.

The 23-year-old Spaniard is yet to prove supporters just why Benitez decided to land his signature, after scepticism first surrounded his signing following disappointing spells with Liverpool and Sunderland.

Out of form and out of confidence, Benitez must axe Manquillo and hand a second chance to Chancel Mbemba with Jamaal Lascelles still sidelined. The DR Congo international would partner Lejeune and Clark at the back.

USA international Yedlin is more than capable of getting forward, and he would be more at home in a wing-back role rather than at full-back where he has been deployed this season. Ghana international Christian Atsu is known for his work rate, and he would prove effective at left-wing back.

Using such a system against a rigid West Brom side would give the Toon the fluidity and attacking freedom they need to earn a much-needed three points against the managerless Baggies.