Newcastle attacker Allan Saint-Maximin could be used as a lone striker in tomorrow's Premier League clash with Watford, according to Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy.
What position has Saint-Maximin played in so far this season?
The 24-year-old has played every minute of Newcastle's first five league fixtures this term. He began the campaign in a front two alongside Callum Wilson, but the former Bournemouth man is currently sidelined due to injury.
In the side's last two top-flight matches, he has played up front in a 5-4-1 system, but has been ably supported by the team's wingers, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton. However, Kennedy feels that Steve Bruce may try something new this weekend, with the emphasis placed on Saint-Maximin to lead the line on his own.
What did Kennedy say about Saint-Maximin's potential new role?
Kennedy believes that Bruce may move away from using five at the back, and switch to a 4-2-3-1 system, with Saint-Maximin being trusted to fill the No. 9 role.
Speaking about the issue to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I suspect that he’ll play as the striker in this 4-2-3-1 tomorrow, which allows him just to pop up central, left, right.”
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Would this be a good move by Bruce?
It's fair to say that Bruce's tactics so far this season have not worked particularly well, so it makes sense that he may be considering trying something different. The team are currently on a five-match winless run in the league, and they cannot afford for this to continue for much longer as they are already inside the relegation zone.
As for using Saint-Maximin as a lone forward, this could turn out to be a masterstroke. The pacy attacker has been a shining light for Newcastle this season, netting two goals and providing two assists. As Kennedy alluded to, playing Saint-Maximin on his own up top may give him the freedom to pop up all over the place and get on the ball regularly, which can only be a good thing for Newcastle.
Then again, there is a possible issue with Saint-Maximin being played in this position. There have been times this season when the team's other attackers have struggled to keep up with the former France Under-21 international due to the speed at which he travels with the ball.
If he is now higher up the pitch to start with, this could could lead to him becoming even more isolated, and this problem could become apparent when the side take on Watford.