Bold tactics needed in Newcastle’s quest for European football

Eddie Howe has been seen to be a stubborn man when it comes to sticking with a system he believes in however with Europa League football in sight changes have been made in hopes of securing European Football for a second year in a row on Tyneside.

As Howe has seen players return from injury his ability to shape different sides and systems has grown with different ways of disposing of opposition becoming readily available.

The return of Callum Wilson has been a major boost for Howe as he now has two strikers who can deliver in the big moments when needed. In the past we have only seen Howe field one striker in his formations with a winger on either side however this weekend at Burnley saw the pair start together as Howe opted for a more traditional 4-4-2 system.

The success of of this tactical change will come with it’s risks as Callum Wilson has missed large periods of the season due to injury so for him to start a number of fixtures could be costly however it will be seen by him as a motivation to keep fitness and nail down a starting spot in Howe’s starting 11.

The change in tactics may see the upcoming summer transfer window priorities switch in focus as with fielding two strikers at a time, having a capable backup to not only support but potentially break into the starting 11 will be crucial with the potential increase of fixtures looming.