This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Charlie Nicholas believes that the visit of Bournemouth is a game Newcastle could win quite easily, particularly given their current form.
What did he say?
Newcastle have performed well in spurts this season but one thing they lack is consistency, having failed to register back-to-back wins in the Premier League.
The Cherries have recorded two away wins so far, more than the Magpies have managed at St James’ Park, so they will be no pushovers, and should be feeling buoyant after ending a goal drought of nearly six hours against Manchester United last week.
Nicholas suggested that Bruce is an attack-minded manager who is doing the best he can with the players at his disposal, but he did point to three players who could provide the key going forward.
Writing in his Premier League predictions for Sky Sports, he said:
“I know Steve Bruce likes to play attacking football, but he cannot do so with this team. Miguel Almiron is like a little whippet who cannot slow down to finish.
“The fans love him as he is energetic, which I do like about him, but the other phases of his play need to come sharpish. Allan Saint-Maximin is skilful and unpredictable, while Jonjo Shelvey is back in the team. If Newcastle win, they are heading towards the top end of the table.”
The former striker also noted the Cherries’ prowess in attack, stating they “can cause any team problems”, which is a worry for the Magpies given Martin Dubravka has had to make 36 saves this year – the joint-third highest amount in the division.
Will counter-attack style work?
Newcastle have struggled at home in the main this term. From their five league games at St James’ Park they have scored just three goals and a lack of ambition and ideas going forward has let them down.
The front-three showed signs of potential in the win over West Ham last week, but they had space to run into and the counter-attack worked in Newcastle’s favour.
At home to Bournemouth it is likely that they won’t get such joy in behind the defence, and that could limit the influence of the wingers, particularly Almiron.
That being said, it is difficult to envisage Bruce moving away from his settled system of five-at-the-back, but with the Cherries’ front-three often prolific, scoring 35 goals between them last season, and Joshua King finding his scoring boots last week, that may be the best option to nullify the visitors’ attack.
If Newcastle manage that, they may only need one goal to win it in order to record their first back-to-back victories this term.
