Newcastle United have been incredible at the back this season and they've mastered the dark arts along the way. Eddie Howe's side have surpassed any early season expectations but have looked somewhat flat and sluggish in the Premier League of late - drawing four of their last five games.
It's to be expected given the emotional and physical effort to reach the Carabao Cup final. Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Nick Pope and Dan Burn have been monstrous as a back five unit and they deserve all the plaudits they've been getting this season.
However, there is one area that the Magpies can improve in and that's with an attacking option at left-back. Burn as we know is a centre-half by trade and has been almost impeccable playing out of position at full-back.
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Nonetheless, the Magpies have missed Matt Targett's attacking deliveries from left-back. Newcastle are a real potent attacking threat down the right, but at times their left-hand side can look somewhat disjointed going forward.
It's not a slight on Burn, who as previously said has been impeccable this season, but he sometimes lacks the mobility needed to get up and down the flank. His goal against Leicester City was a perfect example of there being an opportunity there for an attack minded full-back.
You can understand Howe opting for a more defensive approach on the road at Old Trafford, the Emirates and maybe even at Wembley later in the month. But when Targett returns to fitness, it's well worth a look, particularly at St. James' Park.
The former Aston Villa and Southampton defender hasn't started for the Magpies since their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth back in September and has been kept out of the team by Burn and through injuries. It's worth noting Targett is no mug when it comes to defending, his performances helped keep Newcastle in the Premier League last season.
It may seem harsh to single out Burn in particular to be dropped, but the left-footed defender, who is playing out of position, is arguably the most at risk in the current back line. Botman has nailed down his position as left-sided centre-half and is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Schar is right footed so offers a perfect balance in the heart of defence, while Trippier is one of the first names on the team-sheet.
If Newcastle were able to attack with the same potency and threat down the left, as they do on the right, it would give them another way to open up teams who - like West Ham - placed men behind the ball at St. James' Park. Callum Wilson is one who would certainly benefit from Targett's deliveries, with the Toon striker lacking in service at times this season despite them flying high.
He himself admitted the ball through for his goal against West Ham was one of the first he's been able to latch onto this season. A change in formation is another option which would allow the Toon to keep the current back five on the pitch and operate with Trippier and Targett as wing-backs, but that then means taking a player out of the midfield or front line.
Pep Guardiola has spoken this week about keeping his Man City side fresh, while Arsenal have shown how consistency can take you to lofty heights. Stick or twist?
That's the question that Howe will no doubt consider in the coming weeks as Newcastle look to maintain their European push, with Targett keen to prove his worth.
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