Newcastle Starting Approach

Newcastle started this match with the XI that ended the previous one as Schär, Ki and Ayoze were rewarded with starting berths over the injured Lascelles, Shelvey and Muto.

It was still the usual 4-4-1-1 system but on this occasion, Newcastle preferred creating through width and utilised Rondon’s target man role as part of the game plan.

That approach was different to the initial set up against Watford where a more structured, narrow shape was favoured.

Defensively, the Fernandez-Schär partnership was reminiscent of the Lascelles-Lejeune pairing that coincided with the Magpies best run of form last year, Schär distributing from the back with Fernandez taking the role of organiser & positioned deep to make last-ditch blocks and tackles.

The defensive shape was not as compact as previously seen, with Dummett and Yedlin making further forays forward to aid the wingers in attacking transitions.