Caulkin claims Saint-Maximin may start for Newcastle

The Athletic’s George Caulkin believes that Joelinton could move into midfield and Allan Saint-Maximin be handed a start for Newcastle United to replace Bruno Guimaraes.

The Lowdown: Howe left with a selection headache

The hearts of many Newcastle fans and Eddie Howe himself will have sunk when Paul Tierney brandished a red card in the direction of Bruno Guimaraes, although the Magpies have three league games before their cup final, which will at least see him be able to turn up at Wembley.

Guimaraes will now miss the next three league games which will be a major blow for Howe as they look to maintain their push for the Champions League, although he will be delighted to get the midfielder back in time for the Carabao Cup final.

The suspension to Guimaraes will now force Eddie Howe into a tweak in his system and personnel on Saturday against West Ham United, which may see Saint-Maximin handed his first league start since August.

The Latest: Saint-Maximin may be in line to start

Caulkin has been speaking on Pod on the Tyne about what Howe could change on Saturday as he also questioned whether another midfielder in January could have been useful.

He said: “When the Bruno thing happens – maybe we all have an opinion on that – does that mean that’s [not signing a midfielder] a mistake? I don’t know, it’s tricky.

Should Saint-Maximin start on Saturday?

Yes!

No!

“They do have options, obviously. They can bring Joelinton back into midfield; they can put Saint-Maximin into the team; Isak, depending on how he is fitness-wise; but they don’t have a lot of options. I think it’s a fascinating conversation.”

The Verdict: Joelinton could be key

The fact that Joelinton – who was signed as a £40m striker – has been able to thrive as both a central midfielder and a left-winger that offers a lot of help at both ends of the pitch has been massive for Newcastle’s success.

We think Joelinton will now likely be asked to drop back into a No 8 role alongside Joe Willock in Guimaraes’ absence, but if Saint-Maixmin is picked to start on Saturday, the Brazilian will have to do a lot of work.

This is because Saint-Maximin doesn’t offer the best defensive numbers, having won just 19 tackles in his own defensive third (FBref) since joining the club, so Joelinton will have to work his socks off in the middle and out wide to provide Dan Burn with sufficient help and cover.

And having been forced into this selection dilemma through Guimaraes’ red card, it does indeed beg the question over Newcastle’s failure to bring in another midfield option last month – particularly in light of Jonjo Shelvey’s departure and with a Champions League place at stake.

However, Joelinton’s performances have suggested he is capable of filling in, and it is more a case of whether Newcastle can maintain their form ahead of their trip to Wembley.

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