Newcastle’s Midfield Performance Sparks Selection Dilemma for Eddie Howe

Newcastle United commentator Matthew Raisbeck suggests that manager Eddie Howe could face a difficult decision regarding player selection for Saturday’s Premier League match against Arsenal (12:30 GMT), following the strong display by the Magpies’ midfield in their Carabao Cup victory against Chelsea on Wednesday. During an appearance on the most recent Total Sport Newcastle podcast, Raisbeck commented: “Sandro Tonali in the number six role, maybe they have found the solution there. Bruno Guimaraes came on and played to the left of him and that is where Bruno started at Newcastle – in that number eight role. He has moved into the middle in recent times. “I don’t think Tonali playing to the right of Bruno gets the best of either player and against Chelsea, Willock with his running was terrific. Sean Longstaff was fantastic and Joelinton, who the manager had highlighted as having played particularly well, was everywhere. “So many good performances but it causes problems for Eddie Howe with his selection. Definitely, the midfield was functional and effective.”” When questioned about Newcastle’s potential formation against the Gunners, Raisbeck stated that the array of choices available to Howe is ultimately beneficial. He further elaborated, saying: “What he could do is leave Tonali in the middle.”I think it will be the same front three. Bruno, as captain, will surely come in so one of Longstaff or Willock to go alongside them. It is a good option and there is flexibility there.”” Raisbeck also anticipates Lewis Hall starting on Saturday, noting the left-back’s recent impressive performances as a defender. Raisbeck stated: “Lewis Hall has been brilliant in the last few weeks and really made that left-back spot his own.”It has just shown that patience was needed with him. We all wanted to see more of him but he obviously needed more time to work with Eddie Howe and learn a bit more about the defensive side of the game which he has improved. “He has been terrific and it has been really good to see. There’s lots to come from Lewis Hall in a Newcastle shirt.””