How I'd Shake Up 4231

All of the doubts, criticisms and concerns about Newcastle's performances keep coming back to one thing; Jaissle's persistence with 4231.

Nico is too slow to be in a two, Steur hasn't been played enough, we don't have a 10, the wingers don't do enough defensive work, none of the strikers can hold the ball up.

And so it goes on.

For many, the fact is simply that we don't have players with the qualities required to play 4231 and that any difference in selection is akin to shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic.

If We Lose Too Many Games We'll Get Relegated

That is the bottom line and the stark reality.

Some fans say we need to give Jaissle and 4231 more time.

Well, he has already had 13 games - 10 PL and 3 EFL Cup - that's the equivalent of a third of a PL season... and that's surely long enough to see real progress.

But we aren't seeing it.

The biggest issue? We can't stop conceding goals.

If you concede 1-2 goals on average per game - our average in the PL is 1.6 - then you need to score at least two in the average game to win.

But, the other big criticism is that fans say our strikers are not up to it.

So, if our current run of defeats stays as is; we'll get relegated. Plain and simple.

Drastic Times Need Drastic Solutions

First, there is no chance that what I am about to suggest will be put into action.

I put this forward purely to show that I do believe we have the players to make 4231 perform better than it currently is with the main objective of making us hard to beat.

And that also means hard to score against.

If you keep a clean sheet you get a draw, score one and you win.

So without further ado here is that team;

Hornicek

Tino/Dedic Thiaw Burn Hall

Schar Botman

Elanga Nico Pardo

Osula

Yes... Schar and Botman in the two.

Why? Both are good with the ball, both like to run forward even when playing as CB's, both have a good passing range and crucially, they offer the defensive barrier to the back four that is almost non existent with Nico and Steur.

Schar, as we know, also has a bomb of a shot on him and in that position he'd have more scope to get forward and have a crack - something that we never see enough of from the rest of the team.

The next big positional move - Nico as the 10. And IMO that could have a massive effect.

He is probably the best technical player we have but his lack of pace is a liability in the two. As a 10 his calmness on the ball, passing range, and urge to get forward are ideal.

Would it all work?

We'll never know because there is no chance Jaissle will try it.

But...

If he doesn't do something drastic my real concern is that we are heading for a battle against relegation.

If the form of the last six matches continues for the next six with far tougher games coming up we'll be in that position before Santa comes down the chimney.

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