Steve Bruce rang in the changes last week against Tottenham. It produced what Bruce dubbed during his press conference this morning as ‘arguably one of our best performances of the season.’
Against Spurs, Bruce reverted to a back three with wing-backs after utilizing the 4-3-3 for the previous 9 matches. The 4-3-3, or diamond formation, worked wonders when first implemented at Everton, producing a surprisingly competent 2-0 win.
However, that system is sometimes easily prepared for as we witnessed in the following weeks. It was also a formation that didn’t suit this squad without key players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson.
So with Wilson still unavailable last weekend, and Saint-Maximin only available from the bench, Bruce went with the 5-3-2 while handing starts to players like Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy, and Sean Longstaff, who had barely played over the past few months.
With the revelation this morning that Wilson and Saint-Maximin were available and raring to go for Burnley on Sunday, Bruce was asked about what formation would get the best out of his star players.
The question primarily involved Allan Saint-Maximin, who came on for Dwight Gayle up front against Spurs. This is how Bruce handled the question:
“Great question. Very good question.
“That is the conundrum that I face all the time is getting the right system and getting your better players on the pitch.
“For example, we used a back three last week. I think it was more of a back three rather than a five with Matt Ritchie and Jacob Murphy.
“Last week, we got the balance just right. I was very very pleased.
“However, we did concede twice. Once was an awful, awful mistake. The second goal for them, if your Tottenham you’d be purring about it because of the quality that it showed.
“Look, that’s the balance that we have to try and get right. I have that conundrum every week or every other week. So, I hope I make the right decision.
“I’m sure there were a few raised eyebrows last week amongst you all before we kicked off.
“The players played very well. Whatever role or system it certainly suited us last week.”
It’ll be interesting to see what team and formation Bruce will go with at Turf Moor. He may opt to keep relatively the same team, though unfortunately without Jamaal Lascelles, and save Wilson and Saint-Maximin as impact substitutions.
Bruce admitted that he had to ‘box clever’ with both of them due to them returning from muscle injuries as opposed to impact injuries which are easier to gauge. However, he also stated that Wilson looked great in training, and with just 8 matches remaining he could start on Sunday.
Newcastle had one of our better performances of the season in the home fixture against Burnley to start October. Callum Wilson got a brace but it was Allan Saint-Maximin who put in the Man of the Match performance with a goal and an assist. He signed a new contract soon after that match.
Bruce used a 4-4-2 back then with Joelinton alongside Wilson and Saint-Maximin starting out on the left-wing, though he swapped positions later in the match. However, there would be no room for Matt Ritchie or Jacob Murphy if Bruce reverted to a back four on Sunday.
So Bruce has some team selection decisions to ponder. Let’s not forget that Joelinton had one of his best performances on Sunday so it could be back to the 5-3-2 with Wilson and Big Joe leading the line.
166 comments so far
simon376
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Comment #41Thinking of you and the family Tom
Mister Tuff
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Comment #42RIP Prince Phillip. Did a lot for the UK.
WLtoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Comment #43Munster,
Iv`e had back problems for years but now its starting to affect my job and quality of life .
Spondylosis of the spine/degenerating disc disease, is what ive been told the problem is. Ile try physio first, see how that goes along with some damn strong painkillers.
I`m at an age where nothing will improve now, just have to live with it mate.
I`m not complaining, there are plenty people worse off than me.
JohnJ
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:17 PM
Comment #44WL Toon,
Sorry about your back issues – I picked up on something the other day and intended to post to you my regrets.
As you rightly say “I`m not complaining, there are plenty people worse off than me” but it’s still a bugga.
I don’t have a season ticket at SJP but in the past I’ve managed to get there. Sadly it’s getting harder and harder for me with my Peripheral Neuropathy foot pain – not been able to get to a live match for a couple of seasons now!
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:18 PM
Comment #45Cleveleys
How on earth you can say the Beeb’ and other UK media output’s left wing beats me. You’re entitled to your opinion though.
As far as the fishing industry’s concerned, do you honestly think the need for paperwork’s been a surprise. It was there along but the fisherfolk, like many others were conned.
Anyway, enough.
magicmac54
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:23 PM
Comment #46While i dont believe in the concept of Royalty in any part of the world as in my opinion everyone should come into this world as equals, and not be born into a privileged position. Having said that it gives me no pleasure in hearing of the passing of Prince Philip today, another family in mourning.
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:26 PM
Comment #47WL
I’ve been blessed with Ankilosing Spondylitis for years and my vertebra have have effectivly fused.
I’d lot make a parachute jump but things like that are a no-go – the spine’d snap!
WLtoon, it’s a bugger but you’ve got to face facts and adapt. Don’t ever give in to it or life won’t be worth living.
Keep smiling
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:27 PM
Comment #48magicmac54
Spot on.
We all come into and leave the world in the same way – it’s the bit in the middle where we differ.
WLtoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:28 PM
Comment #49JohnJ,
We are all getting on a bit and things stop working like they should John lol.
Your foot problem sounds bad and its a shame it is impeding your movement.
Got to say though if we get new owners i would be determined to try and make it to the game, ticket permitting of course.
I had to give my ST up 12 years ago but wouldn`t think twice about going back if Staveley and co are owners.
magscar
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:30 PM
Comment #50Postedon last thread and then realised bus had long gone
repost to perhaps balance the praise which has continued on this thread
i think some anti monachists react to the affection and sorrow which always follows sad news as Novo does.
I can’t bring myself to celebrate death but am not taken in by the mass of propaganda in this country about any of them – opium of the masses
I have a family though and don’t need a surrogate
Sorry for their loss like I would be anyone its good manners – mind my Thatcher commiseration was close call
WLtoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:33 PM
Comment #51Lesh,
Your problem sounds worse than mine tbh, i wish i hadn`t mentioned my back lol.
You seem very upbeat even though you have your woes, and i`m in the same frame of mind as you,, i will stay as active as i can, i`v got no intention of wallowing in self pity, not a chance of that.
magscar
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:35 PM
Comment #52GT
Sad anniversary for you and yours. You’ve mentioned her before and it must be hard losing a child at any age
Take care
WLtoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:36 PM
Comment #53magicmac,
Afternoon to you mate, what`s all the fuss about over in your neck of the woods?
I haven`t had a chance to see news or read up about the riots etc
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:52 PM
Comment #54WLtoon
The island of Ireland has been beset with problems for many a year, a delicate subject for many.
But what unites those from the island who post on here, a common cause, is Newcastle United.
Howay the lads
Essex Geordie Bill
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:53 PM
Comment #55I believe that many of the small fishermen are now successfully selling their catches to the British market with no red tape and no drop in prices.
magicmac54
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:55 PM
Comment #56Lesh
Good afternoon Lesh lad hows things with you, ive just realised we haven`t chatted for quite a while, i would be delighted if we beat Burnley, but i would be very happy with a point to be honest.
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 2:57 PM
Comment #57According to the Chron, Bruceyboy, Mr Motivator’s off again. He’s been telling the players all week that they shouldn’t rest in their comfort zone after the Spurs result.
The man’s clueless. Rather than build on that result and focus on maintaining the momentum, he’s instilling fear into the lads rather than telling them that Burnely’s there for the taking and building on the players’ confidence.
magicmac54
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:01 PM
Comment #58WLtoon
Hi mate, i see your back is still playing up with you lad, back pain is no joke and can be very difficult to get rid of mate. You need a big blond to give you a good all over body massage with baby oil, it might not cure your back problem, but it will at least take your mind of it mate 😀 😀 😀
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:02 PM
Comment #59magicmac54
I’m fine bonny lad and trust you and yours are in good fettle, hanging in despite restrictions that we’re all faced with. There’s one thing for sure, there’ll always be a need for good driving instructors and I’ve noticed that learners are out under instruction – much more than of late. You’ll not be long behind the mainland, surely.
When you’re back on the tools, take care and be safe.
Essex Geordie Bill
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:02 PM
Comment #60Any, temporary Wolves supporters on the blog today! 🙂
Jail for Ashley
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:03 PM
Comment #61How long is Lascelles out for, I was going to stick him in my fantasy team 🙁
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:04 PM
Comment #62magicmac54
Unless Mrs WLtoon’s that big blonde masseuse, I can’t see her being to chuffed at your suggestion.
Now if that blonde was a slim young thing…..
😉
magicmac54
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:04 PM
Comment #63Guys does the 3 amigos start at 6-30pm this evening?
Just a fan
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:05 PM
Comment #64Instilling fear into the players.
Well it seemed to work for cloughie and fergie.
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:05 PM
Comment #65Jail
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-rocked-fresh-injury-20349152
lesh
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:06 PM
Comment #66JaF
Yes, their players feared Clough and Fergie but they didn’t fear opposing teams.
WLtoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:07 PM
Comment #67magicmac,
Good idea about that massage. Ile wait for our lass coming in from work haha.
DaveD1000
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:09 PM
Comment #68Jail
I read somewhere 3-4 weeks if not longer
magicmac54
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:14 PM
Comment #69Lesh
Thanks for letting me know driving instructors were back working in England, i really was not aware of that fact, the local executive here are having another review next week on the 15th so we are hopeful we can get back to work in the next couple of weeks mate, and yes we usually are soon behind England. Great to hear you keeping well, i hope your whole family are well my friend
Optimistic prime
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:15 PM
Comment #70Mund
Im the fortunate one.
You Claim to have inside info, spout a load of shite about Stavely, all untrue.
Being miserable is way better than being deluded like you.
What sort of bloke lies to manipulate the fans when they’re at their lowest eb, MUND that’s who!
You got your Tuxedo on waiting for the postie?
carltoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:20 PM
Comment #71Feeling your pain Tom,
magicmac54
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:21 PM
Comment #72WLtoon
I think Lesh was a bit confused about that massage, iam sure you were very aware the blond giving you the massage would have been on strictly medical grounds for your back problem, and nothing untowards 😀 😀 😀
Just a Fat Dave Bassett
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:22 PM
Comment #73I think a win against Burnley is essential. Otherwise we could be looking at our next win being Sheff Utd, meaning We’d be looking at a run of over ten games without a win. That’s terrible momentum heading into a must win game against Fulham. if we win, we have momentum heading into West Ham and could get back to back wins and the Fulham game would no longer be must win. We’d probably be safe before we played them.
Bruce wont go for a repeat of his WBA, Sheff Utd strategy after the grief he got last time. He’s only just managed to get himself some breathing space. I doubt the players would be happy with a 541 either. Especially as He’s harped on about missing his attacking players.
We’ll take this to Burnley and win comfortable. Wilson in for Gayle. ASM bench. Bringing in ASM would require a formation change. Cant see it.
toonbrother
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:29 PM
Comment #74Lascelles is out
WeRe going down
Moonraker15
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:33 PM
Comment #75RIP Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh! You served Queen and country for over 70 years. You’ve “always been there”! God save the Queen!
Moonraker15
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:37 PM
Comment #76Magicmac54
Seeing your comment I remember this irreverence from HRH Prince Philip,
Loved your sense of humour you grand gentleman RIP Prince Phillip.
“How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them through the test?” (to a driving instructor in Oban, Scotland, during a 1995 walkabout).”
Mund
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:37 PM
Comment #77Lied? Haha oh my.
Simon cleared that up so wrong again OP
In honesty tho it’s not meant to wind you up and sorry if me being privy to info now and then upsets you.
You just like to be miserable and spread hate were I am the opposite.
I’ll carry on tho doing what I do if you don’t like it skip it, simples.
carltoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:40 PM
Comment #78Lesh, I’m sure I read that Prince Philip lodge in Fenham or some where like that when he was first in the Navy before his marriage, I may have just dreamed .
Moonraker15
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:40 PM
Comment #79Toonbrother
Lascelles is out!
We have Fedy; our best defender! 🙂
carltoon
Apr 9, 2021 at 3:42 PM
Comment #80Moon Raker, ha ha, the worst one about Chinese, can’t print it though. He couldn’t care.