Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to give Lewis Miley a chance to prove himself as a potential solution to the team's midfield woes, particularly if Bruno Guimarães misses the match against Aston Villa due to injury. Guimarães' absence would see Miley, the 19-year-old Newcastle academy product, step into his customary role alongside Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in the traditional 4-3-3 formation.
Miley has impressed recently as a stand-in right-back, and with his dynamic playing style, he could help Newcastle's team control possession and create scoring opportunities. This would be particularly valuable on the counterattack, where Newcastle often excel.
However, Howe also acknowledges that Miley needs to take responsibility for leading the team in Guimarães' absence. The manager believes that young players like Miley are crucial for growth and development, but they must be able to handle difficult situations.
In other areas, Howe's tactics have been questioned by some critics. His reliance on wingers Anthony Gordon and Yoane Wissa has led to Newcastle being vulnerable in midfield. A possible solution is to reconfigure the team with Nick Woltemade playing as a creative No 10 rather than rotating him with Wissa, who struggles to replicate his form since joining from Lyon.
Howe's approach has been criticized for not providing enough depth and consistency to his lineup. However, he remains committed to giving all players opportunities to shine and prove themselves, including Miley, who will be crucial in the match against Villa if Guimarães is unable to play.
Miley has impressed recently as a stand-in right-back, and with his dynamic playing style, he could help Newcastle's team control possession and create scoring opportunities. This would be particularly valuable on the counterattack, where Newcastle often excel.
However, Howe also acknowledges that Miley needs to take responsibility for leading the team in Guimarães' absence. The manager believes that young players like Miley are crucial for growth and development, but they must be able to handle difficult situations.
In other areas, Howe's tactics have been questioned by some critics. His reliance on wingers Anthony Gordon and Yoane Wissa has led to Newcastle being vulnerable in midfield. A possible solution is to reconfigure the team with Nick Woltemade playing as a creative No 10 rather than rotating him with Wissa, who struggles to replicate his form since joining from Lyon.
Howe's approach has been criticized for not providing enough depth and consistency to his lineup. However, he remains committed to giving all players opportunities to shine and prove themselves, including Miley, who will be crucial in the match against Villa if Guimarães is unable to play.