JOHNGIBSON

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ALL right, let us get down to the nitty gritty.

Who should play in Newcastle’s front three at West Ham and who should be selected to replace the suspended Sean Longstaff in the centre of midfield?

Quite frankly, the sharp end is a real dilemma – throw the names in the air and see who lands where because no one inspires great belief given United’s insipid goals record.

If Andy Carroll can somehow rise from his bed of nails inspired by a return to his old club, West Ham, the choice is three from seven – the usual suspects Allan Saint Maximin, Joelinton and Miggy Almiron plus the alternatives Christian Atsu, Dwight Gayle, Yoshi Muto and Carroll.

We all know Joelinton and Almiron are ever-presents so they have had plenty of opportunity. The question is do they deserve yet another chance?

Almiron has no assists as well as no goals and is looking more and more like a rabbit transfixed in the car headlights.

Right now the trouble is that he and Maximin are two individuals who like to do their own thing. They don’t work in tandem with Joelinton through interplay and understanding. All three operate miles apart.

The Brazilian, of course, simply isn’t a natural target man. He doesn’t play in the penalty area, back into central defenders making life difficult, and doesn’t pepper the goal with shots or headers which for a big man are more often than not off target even when rising unchallenged.

As for Gayle and Carroll they have had real injury problems that render them suspect.

Gayle is the best finisher on the books but does he need the extra space the Championship affords him to be totally effective? Does his slim build mean essentially he has to play at the shoulder of a bigger, physical line leader to get the best out of him?