A big factor in Newcastle’s phenomenal start to the 2011/12 Premier League season is that they haven’t been beset by injuries to their starting eleven. Against Stoke on Monday they had to reshuffle the pack as Cheik Tiote missed out through injury and Danny Guthrie stepped in admirably. For the match versus Everton tomorrow Newcastle will be without Gabriel Obertan , but who should step in for the Frenchman?
With Tiote likely to return to Alan Pardew’s team, the obvious choice would be Guthrie. The former Bolton midfielder put in an accomplished performance at the Britannia Stadium, and could quite easily slot in on the right hand side of midfield. That would be reasonable reward for his showing against Stoke and while not a natural winger, he has the creativity to do well out there.
Newcastle could instead choose to go for another of their French contingent, Sylvain Marveaux . The winger has looked handy in the Carling Cup and when he’s come on in the Premier League and seems to be a tricky customer. He would be able to cut in from the right, as well as swap wings with Jonas Gutierrez at times, to provide Newcastle with plenty of width.
Then there’s Hatem Ben Arfa . While I’d like Newcastle to find a place for the talented player in their side, I don’t think this is it. From what I’ve seen so far this season, Ben Arfa isn’t disciplined enough to track players and would be much more suited to a role off the striker. However, if Pardew were to pick Ben Arfa it would certainly be a statement of intent.
Another option would be to bring Davide Santon into the starting line-up. However, this would result in a reshuffle of the defence, something that would be ill-advised considering how well the back four have performed this season, and see Ryan Taylor move forward into midfield. Considering Newcastle are playing at home, this would be a slightly negative route to take.
The final option is possible Dan Gosling . Whether he’s more comfortable than Guthrie on the right is arguable and given the latter’s performance I can’t see Gosling getting the nod. Personally I would like to see Marveaux given a run out and excite the St James’ Park faithful, but can see why this would be harsh on Guthrie, who I think will be handed the shirt by Pardew.
Written by Tom Jones for NothingButNewcastle.com
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