4. Does Siem De Jong Deserve A League Start?
Yet another attacking headache for Steve McClaren - does the Toon head coach think Siem de Jong could help to exploit Arsenal's potential weaknesses at the back? The Dutchman completed 90 minutes for only the second time since arriving at Newcastle last summer against Northampton Town, and was impressive until he tired in the last 15 minutes or so. A glancing header brought De Jong a goal and he could be a threat from both open play and set-pieces on Saturday. But can McClaren find a place for the attacking-midfielder in his side? Georginio Wijnaldum seems to be the preferred No 10, while Moussa Sissoko could be fit for starting berth. Could McClaren move Wijnaldum deeper or to the right or left of the attacking-midfield trio in order to fit De Jong into his starting XI? Or will the ex-Ajax man instead be used more as an impact player off the bench?
Chris Waugh
Contributor
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
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Chris