Bodies are light in number, but Newcastle United need to be more than the sum of their parts this weekend, with three points on the line at St James’ Park
In-form, Premier League surprise package Hull City are on Tyneside for the afternoon, and while the Magpies are down to the bare bones in some departments, a win is a must to ensure the three-week international break is not a painful affair.
Matthias Jaissle knows best, but as I always do, here’s my thoughts on who he should pick. This is my NUFC XI to beat Hull City this afternoon.
Lukas Hornicek - GK
You know the drill, so does he. Taken to Premier League football like a duck to water, so no debate on his undisputed position as NUFC no.1, in all but number.
Tino Livramento - RB
Comes in for the injured Amar Dedic. Has been eased in over recent weeks and now, fresh from England recall, he needs to hit the ground running - quite literally - in this full-back-reliant Jaissle system.
Malick Thiaw - CB
Will again skipper the side - and it’s now time for the central defender to show some leadership. We need a captain’s performance, because the last few have been far from his best.
Sven Botman - CB
Repeatedly, I’ve gone for Fabian Schar at left centre-back, but I’ve changed my mind. Botman needs to play himself into form. If the last few weeks is anything to go by, he’ll be a busy boy. Just please, no more gift-wrapping passes for the opposition forwards!
Lewis Hall - LB
New deal, same old player. This system asks a lot of the full-backs, and often leaves their part of the pitch exposed. But Hall has adapted well to the demands - he seems to fit the blueprint like a glove.
Joe Willock - RM
This is the controversial call. I don’t think he deserved dropped at Leeds. I know he’s not the answer, but his legs and energy make a difference in this team. I get it, I’m shoe-horning him in out of position - on the right - but needs must.
Lewis Miley - CM
We need a more mature performance from the youngster - it’s time to step out of the shadows. Miley needs to be brave with the ball, and diligent without it. He was too passive on Monday, he wasn’t the only one.
Sean Steur - CM
Says everything about the lad that he refused to be deterred by his Elland Road errors. Time and time again he wanted it, and kept doing the right thing. There’s a real talent in that. Too early for Aladji Bamba.
Harvey Barnes - LM
While his overall performances have been a little bit average - nowt new - his threat is undoubtedly there. Even at Leeds, he should have notched - and he has three goals already this season, in a team that lacks them.
Yoane Wissa - FW
The link man in this team. His workrate and willing has been second-to-none this season, so far. Just needs to keep it up. If he does, the goals and opportunities will flow eventually. Night and day from last season.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo - FW
Not the best of full debuts, but he was hardly given much to work with. Needs to be smarter with his runs and give his team better options. Patience needed with him.