FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 CARRY ON ATTACKING

A crowd- pleasing tactic could also be a successful one. The Magpies netted a mere 18 goals in the first half of last term, outscoring only four teams. In the second half, aided by the addition of Graeme Jones to the coaching staff and some more ambitious tactics, they plundered 28 – more than Chelsea. The duller Toon got 19 points; the more entertaining variant 26. Positivity can pay off.

2 LADS, MEET BALL

Newcastle rose one place in the table last season. They ranked 20th for possession in 2019- 20, and – aided, no doubt, by Sam Allardyce – edged out West Bromwich Albion last term. The Magpies had under 42 per cent of the ball in both campaigns; before that it was barely any higher under Rafa Benitez. While Jonjo Shelvey is a terrific long passer, they lack someone who controls games – it condemns them to spending much of their time playing on the defensive.

3 PLAY RAFA’S SHAPE

Comparisons with his predecessor yielded the sarcastic quip “the mighty Rafa Benitez” in January but, while Bruce’s preference for a back four has been apparent, his players want the back three that Benitez introduced. Their spring revival came using three centre- backs and wideman Ritchie creating more chances.

4 PRAY FOR SAINT- MAX

Newcastle’s season could have been very different had Allan Saint- Maximin not suffered a particularly debilitating case of COVID- 19. The mercurial winger was the catalyst for the Toon’s April renaissance as a split striker, and St James’ resident crowd- pleaser makes a prosaic team exciting. The Magpies must play to his strengths – and Callum Wilson will certainly hope they do.

5 DON’T LEAVE IT LATE

Newcastle face Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in their final four games. They have another tough- looking run in December: Leicester, Liverpool, then both Manchester clubs. In both cases, they need points on the board to ensure potential spells of defeats don’t cost them.