When Leicester loanee Islam Slimani returns for Newcastle should he partner Dwight Gayle or Ayoze Perez in attack?
Newcastle United picked up a valuable three points in the Premier League as a Matt Ritchie goal was enough to beat Manchester United 1-0.
The victory moves the Magpies two points clear of the relegation zone with things still extremely tight in the bottom half of the table.
Defensively the hosts were resolute at St James’ Park, with debutant Martin Dubravka picking up the man of the match award for his performance as goalkeeper.
Yet going forward Newcastle showed promise as manager Rafa Benitez stuck with his 4-4-1-1 formation with Ayoze Perez playing just behind Dwight Gayle.
However, when another January signing returns to full fitness in Leicester City loanee Islam Slimani, who should the striker partner upfront?
Alongside Gayle the addition of the Algerian would probably have to see the system shift to 4-4-2 and a traditional ‘big man, little man’ partnership being established – which could work but may leave Benitez’s side a little light in midfield.
Yet can Slimani lead the line and act as a targetman if Perez is operating as a number ten? If so then perhaps this gives the team more balance and with three goals in 26 appearances this season it would hardly be as if a prolific scorer would be dropped in Gayle.
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