This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Newcastle’s clash with Bournemouth promises to be an exciting affair after both teams won last weekend, and for Steve Bruce it is an opportunity to really kickstart their season.
The Magpies are yet to record consecutive victories but with a settled team now in place there are positive signs that they could be set to go on a decent run.
Eddie Howe’s side have performed well on the road, though, and boast a defensive record of 13 goals conceded in 11 league games, and that means the Newcastle front-three will need to be at their best.
In the first half against West Ham last week they were explosive, particularly Allan Saint-Maximin who missed two good opportunities to score, but Miguel Almiron also posed a threat, as he has so often this season.
Unfortunately for the Paraguay international, his stats – as per WhoScored – don’t tell the full story.
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He may still be without a goal or an asisst in Newcastle colours, but his pace makes him a constant threat for the opposition, and in recent home games against Manchester United and Wolves he has used that to his advanatge.
On both occasions he made intelligent runs and had chances on goal, and if he manages the same against the Cherries, whilst adding a clinical touch, he may just break his duck.
However, coming up against Sergio Rico will make that a difficult task, and the hard work he will have to get through to prevent the left-back’s influence in attack may mean his own threat is nullified somewhat.
Rico’s 1.9 key passes per game, according to WhoScored, underline his effectiveness, and even more concerning for Almiron is his respective tackling and interception rate per game, as they mean the right-winger could struggle to get on the ball.
Steve Bruce may have to rely on long balls from players like Jonjo Shelvey to ensure Almiron has an influence on the game, therefore, as so far he has been unable to put his pace to good effect on the ball, achieving only 0.9 successful dribbles per game.
If that takes effect, Newcastle should be able to pin down the opposition whilst keeping things tight at their own end, but if the Cherries sit deep then Bruce’s side may have a frustrating afternoon.
