According to the North-East reporter Ian Murtagh, Steve Bruce could throw both Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle in from the start for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter final clash with Man City.
The Daily Star writer claims Bruce is “ready to reshuffle his side” following a flat performance on Wednesday, and is lead to believe both Carroll and Gayle are in the forefront of his rotation plans.
The pair combined brilliantly to give us the lead in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, and it was also telling that Gayle admitted in his post-match interview that both have been linking up well in training.
That said, is it really going to work if Bruce goes with two up top against an in-form Manchester City side?
He’s vowed to stick with the same system, suggesting we WON’T go back to a five-man defence on Sunday, but it would be naive for us to line up in a 4-4-2 for me.
We looked leggy against Villa and saw Ritchie and Hayden limp off with knocks as a result. This could force Bruce into rotation whether he wants to or not, however I’m not sure two up top would be the answer against a Man City side who’ve looked irresistible since returning from the break.
After all, I’m sure most would agree that Sunday’s quarter final will only go one way if we attempt to go toe-to-toe with Guardiola’s side!
