TIME TO REWORK LINEUP ON THE SLY

Full disclosure: A lack of TV or radio options made it difficult to intensely follow Newcastle United's third-round Carling Cup victory at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

So I was limited to relying on Twitter and various media reports to glean details of Newcastle's pulsating 4-3 extra-time win.

And from all accounts, French winger Sylvain Marveaux was one of United's top performers. Hopefully that will resonate with manager Alan Pardew, because it's about time to see how Newcastle would function in the attack with a genuine left-sided player in the midfield.

For all the positives Jonas Gutierrez brings - a dogged work ethic, an ability to relieve pressure by carrying the ball out of defense and a penchant for drawing fouls - he's never been a strong crosser of the ball. And, since he's naturally right-footed, his final product has been worse since he switched onto the left flank. Opposing fullbacks don't need to be overly concerned with Gutierrez beating them to the byline, because he'd rather cut back inside.

Gutierrez's understanding with left back Jose Enrique made his crossing deficiencies easier to live with over the past two seasons. But with Enrique gone and Ryan Taylor, a makeshift left back, filling his place until Davide Santon is healthy, does it really make sense to keep Gutierrez on the left wing?

It's not that Gutierrez has been poor this season. He's probably been one of Newcastle's most consistent performers, and his willingness to track back has aided Taylor, who, like Gutierrez, is out of place on the left. But Marveaux would provide real width and top-end speed on the left. Gutierrez, in turn, could move to the right, where he'd provide a steadier alternative to Gabriel Obertan.

Of course, this is all assuming Marveaux can stay healthy, which, based on his past, is a big assumption. But he's available at the moment, and that's good reason for Pardew to rethink his best XI.

Comments

[Charlie Prince]

I agree that Marveaux needs to be inserted into the starting lineup, based on reports from the Carling Cup game and late on in the QPR game. However, I won't be at all concerned or disappointed if he's on the bench against Blackbrun this weekend, simply because he went 120 minutes during the week. I do worry about cover for Ryan Taylor on the left, as I'm not sure Marveaux would track back as well as Jonas. But if get Santon in there, it shouldn't be a problem.

[AndyB]

Its a good talking point but as a coach I'd be reluctant to introduce a major shake up affecting so many positions. At present Marveaux represents a good addition to squad depth and offers solid cover for injuries. Credit due to management on this one & as you point out, credit to Guitierez as a consistant & durable performer.

[Ryan]

It's definitely encouraging to hear Sly is doing well. If he stays healthy, I think he breaks into the starting XI at some point. I too like Spiderman, despite his weak crosses. If we can just put and keep him on the right...

[Rob Moyer]

Listened to the match on the radio and saw highlights on YouTube and FSC News. Marveaux's cross to Lovenkrands was spot on is what we have been lacking on the left for the past couple seasons and his drawing of the penalty was what we have come to see from Jonas coming inside. I would like to see Jonas on the right and if it doesn't work out just plug him back on the left side and allow Obertan and Raylor to fight for the right side of the flank once Santon is healthy.