Newcastle United’s season-opening Premier League encounter with Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday will see the club operate under entirely new circumstances, with unfamiliar personnel and tactical approaches greeting supporters.
German coach Matthias Jaissle has consistently deployed a 4-2-3-1 system throughout pre-season preparations, indicating supporters should anticipate a refreshed forward line when the Reds visit this weekend.
Jaissle possesses considerable attacking depth but faces a selection puzzle regarding which players earn starting berths. On the left flank, Harvey Barnes and Bazoumana Toure compete fiercely, while Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy battle for the right-wing role. Central attacking positions remain fiercely contested, with Nick Woltemade favouring the number 10 position and Will Osula alongside Yoane Wissa eager to lead the line.
Several perspectives emerge on how the Magpies should line up for this fixture.
One view suggests maximising physical advantages by deploying Osula as the central striker with Woltemade operating directly behind him. Toure and Elanga would provide width, with the latter’s big-game experience potentially proving valuable against top opposition. Toure could unsettle Premier League defences with his explosive pace. Barnes remains available as an impact substitute, offering proven goalscoring ability, while Wissa provides additional firepower from the bench.
Another assessment indicates Elanga has enjoyed an impressive pre-season campaign, positioning him favourably for the right flank ahead of Murphy, whose long-term prospects at the club remain uncertain. On the opposite side, Toure’s electrifying pace offers something different compared to Barnes’ reliable goal threat, potentially making the former a superior starting option with Barnes introduced later to capitalise on tired defenders. The absence of a natural number 10 presents a tactical challenge, with Woltemade failing to convince in that role during pre-season and Joe Willock expected to depart within weeks. Ramsey possesses attributes that could work effectively in an advanced position, though Wissa appears the most capable candidate to support Osula from the hole, with both players demonstrating promising combinations.
A contrasting opinion holds that Barnes, who finished as the club’s second-highest scorer last term following Anthony Gordon’s departure, warrants inclusion despite positional overlap with Toure, who has also impressed on the left. Elanga appears well-placed for the right-wing berth, while Osula leads the race for the centre-forward position despite recent goal scarcity. Wissa might actually represent the stronger choice against Liverpool. For the number 10 role, Ramsey could provide additional midfield solidity alongside creative qualities, despite not yet being tried in that position during pre-season.
Further analysis suggests the club’s shortage of a dedicated marksman could hinder their campaign, though exciting wide options exist. Elanga has performed adequately in pre-season, yet Toure deserves an opportunity on the left, necessitating Barnes’ shift to the opposite flank. Wissa requires sustained game time as the central striker to discover consistent form. Ramsey emerges as the standout option for the number 10 position, with the potential to unlock his considerable abilities through increased creative duties. Woltemade has insufficiently demonstrated his claims to that role. Ultimately, the club requires additional striking quality.