4-2-3-1: Alongside Shelvey
Newcastle ace Jonjo Shelvey is arguably the first name on the team sheet and Merino could be the perfect player to slot in alongside him.
Both are very good in possession and would be able to help keep control of league matches, something that will be particularly important at home.
There is certainly an opening for one of the club’s central midfielders to play alongside Shelvey and there is no reason why the talented Merino can’t do just that.