MY ACCOUNT
Newcastle have enjoyed a fine start to the season — and their stable of attacking talent will be raring to go again after the World Cup.
The Magpies are third in the Premier League and Eddie Howe’s in-form side will be desperate to secure Champions League foobtall.
They have taken 30 points from 15 games and are a point clear of fourth-placed Tottenham.
But with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea looking to muscle their way into the top four during the second half of the campaign, the race for Europe is set to intensify.
And Newcastle will have to trust in their forward stars if they are to achieve their goal — starting at Leicester on Boxing Day.
Solid foundations
It is important to recognise that the foundation of Newcastle’s success lies in their defensive strength — Howe has constructed a side that is tough to break down.
The Magpies have conceded just 11 goals in the top flight this term — fewer than every other team aside from Arsenal, who have shipped the same number.
Newcastle have also kept seven clean sheets, another feat only the Gunners can match.
Just as importantly, Howe’s side are potent at the other end of the pitch, scoring 29 goals so far — a tally only bettered by Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.
With strength at the back and up top, Newcastle fully deserve to be where they are in the table.
Deadly trio
Howe has set Newcastle up in a 4-3-3 formation this season.
His attack has generally seen Callum Wilson lead the line, flanked by Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy, with Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin hit by injuries.
Almiron has been the leading light. The Paraguayan has contributed eight goals and an assist in 15 top-flight appearances.
But he has not been the sole threat. Notable efforts have also been made by 30-year-old Wilson — who has contributed six goals and two assists — while Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has scored three and created two.
Finding the perfect formula
The construction of Newcastle’s attack has partly been decided by availability.
Once Isak and Saint-Maximin regain full fitness, they will give Howe an intriguing selection headache.
Murphy, 27 can be expected to make way for Saint-Maximin on the left.
But how can record signing Isak — a guaranteed starter given the £60million fee he commanded — be incorporated alongside Wilson?
They have not played together yet but fielding them as part of a front four, with Almiron and Saint-Maximin on the flanks, seems reckless.
One solution could be to shift to a 4-2-3-1, handing 23-year-old Isak a role off Wilson ahead of a double pivot.
Tough trade-offs
By changing shape and tilting the balance more offensively, Howe would be taking a risk.
If he decides against abandoning the system and retains his favoured 4-3-3, he will need to make some tough decisions.
That could involve alternating Isak and Wilson as the reference point of Newcastle’s attack, or shifting Isak out wide and rotating the Swede with Almiron or Saint-Maximin.
Whatever Howe decides, it is a good problem to have.
Strength in depth will undoutbedly be crucial with games coming thick and fast.
Points to be won
There is still a long way to go in the race to finish in the top four.
Newcastle have started well but maintaining that level of performance will be a real challenge.
And Howe recognises the importance of hitting the ground running after the mid-season break.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s trip to the King Power Stadium, he said: “It is important to try and re-establish our momentum.
“When we beat Chelsea [in November] it was a great feeling around the stadium but it feels like a long time ago.
“You want to try and get back there as quickly as you can. They will make the game very difficult for us but it is the first chance to rediscover our form.
“The wait for this game has been long for us so we are dying to get back to action.”
