Newcastle Beat QPR 2 Years Ago To Stay Up - But How Do They Rate Vs The Current Team?

7. THEN: Cheick Tiote - NOW: Jack Colback

Unfortunately this is not Cheick Tiote at the height of his powers during the 2011-12 season, but instead it is the half-fit and often-distracted Cheick Tiote of the 2012-13 campaign. At his best, Tiote dominates the midfield by breaking up play, nicking possession from the opposition and calmly distributing the ball to those midfielders in the side who are technically more proficient. However, throughout much of the 2012-13 campaign Tiote was well below his best and was often half-fit, meaning he would make (even more) rash challenges (than usual) and would regularly lose possession.

Alternatively, Jack Colback has been one of the few (relative) success stories of the Magpies' current campaign. A free transfer from Sunderland, Colback has run his heart out in the Newcastle midfield and has added a technical ability that has been sorely lacking in recent months. But Colback has also been guilty of going missing in some of the most important games in recent weeks in an attacking sense, and he has been involved in relegation scraps almost every single year of his career - there must be a reason for that. Verdict: A point for each - 1-1. If both were at their best, then they could form a very-capable midfield duo. However, the Tiote of 2012-13 and the Colback of this season have not been at their best, so there can be an argument made for the inclusion of either. Tiote would shade it if you wanted extra protection for the back four, while Colback would offer a greater attacking threat.