da doce： Newcastle should be well prepared for the visit of Manchester City on Saturday as they have utilised a defensive formation for the entire season so far, and have developed an understanding of how to cope without possession.
da esoccer bet： Steve Bruce will be more than happy to concede possession against the Champions, having done so in every Premier League game so far, boasting just 38% average possession as a result.
He has more often than not gone with three up-front, with the wingers still performing a defensive duty, but with their lack of success against lowly Aston Villa, particularly Miguel Almiron’s lacklustre display, Bruce may make a sacrifice to bolster the defence.
The Paraguay international offers the least in the attacking final third since he is yet to score or assist a goal since January, and with Allan Saint-Maximin proving he can hold onto the ball with four successful dribbles per league game, he is the most effective counter-attack option.
Success on the breakaway is likely the only route available to the Magpies if they want to take something from this fixture, though goals from defenders against West Ham and Bournemouth show they possess a threat from set-pieces too.
The focus this week has likely been on defensive preparation and team shape, and with that in mind here is how the home side could line-up at St James’ Park on Saturday.
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Saint-Maximin doesn’t often occupy a central role but given how the game is likely to pan out, with the visitors dominating possession, giving him the freedom to close down opponents and take up areas he wants should get the best out of him.
It means he should always be able to provide an outlet on the break and if he is found in the opponent’s half then he could pose a danger by taking players on.
The return from suspension of Sean Longstaff is a big bonus for the Magpies and he should help to limit space in the middle, as well as providing passes to the front two – 1.4 average key passes per league game indicate he is more than capable of that.
Behind him, Isaac Hayden will be key and if he can display his usual tenacity in the tackle – averaging 2.9 per league game – he could be key to stopping the threat of Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva.
Most important is perhaps the return from injury of Fabian Schar. He made the bench against Villa and with Newcastle suffering on the pitch Bruce may be inclined to pick the Switzerland international this time around in his only change.
He started the 27-year-old in every game prior to his injury, which suggests he has taken a likening to the defender, and if Schar plays to the best of his ability then his skills and leadership could prevent the Citizens from scoring.
The absence of Sergio Aguero may give Bruce’s side a psychological boost but Schar will still need to be at the top of his game to keep Gabriel Jesus quiet.