Newcastle head into the weekend with a problem at right-back. Amar Dedic is out, and Matthias Jaissle did not dress it up. His update was clear, sharp and left little room for interpretation. “Amar will not be able to play on Saturday.”
That matters because Dedic has quickly made the position his own. Since arriving from Benfica, he has started all four of his Premier League appearances and already produced an assist in the 2-0 win at Tottenham. For a new signing adjusting to a new league, that is a solid return. For Newcastle, it means a player who had settled early is suddenly missing. For Fantasy Premier League managers, it means one of the smarter differential picks is unavailable.
Photo: IMAGO
Tino Livramento Set for Newcastle Chance
The obvious replacement is Tino Livramento. He now gets a real chance to re-establish himself in the side and to make an impression on Jaissle. There is talent there, but opportunity has been limited. Injuries have also disrupted his momentum, including the calf issue that cut short his summer involvement with England.
Now the door opens again. Newcastle need a response, and Livramento steps into a side that has looked unsettled in recent weeks.
Matthias Jaissle Still Shaping Squad
This is a different Newcastle from the one supporters knew not long ago. The turnover has been substantial. Sandro Tonali has gone to Tottenham, Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. Nick Woltemade moved to Juventus on loan, while Lewis Hall attracted interest that ultimately went nowhere.
Jaissle arrived from Al Ahli to oversee that transition, and so far the picture is mixed. One win and two draws from his first four games is serviceable. The problem is the latest result. A 4-1 defeat at Leeds exposed a side that still looks short of balance and certainty.
Hull Test Carries Extra Weight
That makes the Hull match more important than it might otherwise appear. Newcastle need stability, and Jaissle needs a cleaner…
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