Journalist Jordan Cronin spoke on the Loaded HQ YouTube channel about how likely Allan Saint-Maximin is to go straight back into the Newcastle United starting lineup.
Saint-Maximin has missed Newcastle United’s last two games, in which the Magpies have picked up four points, while the Frenchman has been out in Monaco for some rehabilitation and playing his card game, Helios.
Should Saint-Maximin start on Thursday?
Yes!
No!
Therefore, while Saint-Maximin has created the most shooting opportunities for his teammates this season (as per FBRef), there doesn’t appear to be a desperate need for him to make an immediate return this weekend if he’s fit and available.
Cronin believes that Ryan Fraser’s performance on the left wing last week could hand Eddie Howe a welcomed selection headache.
“Quite interestingly as well, Ryan Fraser played on the left wing in that game [and] came out afterwards and said that left-wing is his favourite position.
“So does that almost add competition for Allan Saint-Maximin now? Knowing Eddie Howe and the person he is, as key as Allan Saint-Maximin is, there’s no guarantees over his place in the starting XI.”
TIF Thoughts on Saint-Maximin…
The Frenchman has been a huge hit on Tyneside and appears to have stepped his game up this season, as he is currently boasting the best-attacking output of his career, which points towards a player who is maturing and able to put a struggling side on his back and carry them to safety, which will be huge for the back end of this campaign.
However, given his absence for the last two crucial fixtures, Howe could well be questioning his desire to fight in a relegation battle when he has the likes of Fraser – who’s been nominated for February’s Player of the Month award – and Jacob Murphy, a boyhood Newcastle fan who will undoubtedly give everything for the club.
So getting back into the starting lineup is certainly not going to be easy for Saint-Maximin as he’ll have to prove his fitness and commitment to Howe before he likely throws him onto the pitch.
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