Newcastle United have had a frustrating start to the transfer window as clubs appear to slap a “Magpie tax” on players when the newly-crowned richest club in the world come calling. Moves for Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike have stuttered, with the former understood to be holding out for a move to European giants AC Milan.
Matt Targett - who excelled on loan at the backend of 2021-22 - is the only notable addition so far after making the switch permanent for £12million. However, it still feels as though Toon chiefs are searching for a breakthrough as the former Aston Villa left-back was an ever-present in the side last season.
As it stands, Newcastle have a squad that comfortably survives relegation and, providing everybody stays fit, should make an assault on securing a top-10 spot. Despite the occasional gaffe, Martin Dubravka has been exceptional since arriving for a pittance in 2018 and remains the undisputed number one between the sticks.
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A backline of Targett, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier was the bedrock of the Magpies’ turnaround, with Emil Krafth deputising for the latter after breaking his metatarsal. Bruno Guimaraes’ impact on the side evoked memories of yesteryear, with supporters witnessing a player who would have slotted straight into Kevin Keegan’s “Entertainers” side.
Joelinton’s transformation into a battering-ram midfielder is nothing short of a miracle given his stance a year ago and Joe Willock also provides an energetic presence in the engine room. Jonjo Shelvey was deployed in the deep-lying quarter-back role last year, allowing Guimaraes and Joelinton to get forward.
Sean Longstaff, too, reminded everybody what he could do against Arsenal on the penultimate game of the campaign. However, a midfield trio of Shelvey, Guimaraes and Joelinton is as balanced as Howe can field right now.
In attack, Allan Saint-Maximin continues to polarise the fanbase but he is undoubtedly United’s most creative offensive outlet when firing. Callum Wilson has a firm grip on the number nine shirt and looked excellent once returning from a torn calf. His injury record is a cause for concern but Chris Wood and the potential arrival of Ekitike would provide adequate backup.
The big dilemma comes on the right flank, with Miguel Almiron and Ryan Fraser battling it out. Howe managed to unleash the Fraser who Toon supporters thought they had signed when he arrived on a free from Bournemouth two years ago, which helps him earn the nod over the Paraguayan.
Newcastle United's strongest current XI: Dubravka, Targett, Burn, Schar, Trippier, Shelvey, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Fraser
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