Dwight Gayle is “knocking on the door” to make his first start for Newcastle since May 2018 this Sunday, according to Steve Bruce.
This isn’t the first time the NUFC boss has talked up the 29-year-old over the past week, with him also praising the striker’s ‘excellent’ finishing in training just a few days ago.
He featured for 10 minutes at Stamford Bridge last weekend, but his last start for the club came in our 3-0 win over Chelsea last May – and the Chronicle claim Bruce is considering playing him alongside Joelinton ahead of Wolves’ visit this weekend.
Gayle may not be the only change either, with Fabian Schar’s absence meaning one of Paul Dummett or Federico Fernandez could come in at the back.
Here’s what Bruce has had to say about Gayle ahead of Sunday’s game:
“I have made it common knowledge I have tried to sign him at least three times now.
“I have never been able to afford him.
“To see him in training in the last three weeks. So he’s knocking on the door, but I’ve got a squad to pick.
“As the eight-year-old I spoke to this week said everybody has got their opinion, let’s hope I get the right one!”
With Andy Carroll out of this one with a groin injury and Bruce tipped to make changes in attack, it really does feel like Gayle could come in.
He failed to get a single touch of the ball last weekend and has had no pre-season, meaning he’ll be far from match fit, however Bruce’s comments this week suggest to me he could start – especially when Joelinton has been so isolated in attack.
At the back, Fernandez would be the more natural replacement for Schar given he’s right footed (Dummett and Clark both left footed), however I wouldn’t be surprised if we went to a flat back four IF Gayle does partner Joelinton in attack.
Time will tell, but it’s key Bruce gets it right in what promises to be a tough game against last season’s 7th placed side.
