Three changes Newcastle United need to make in order to secure promotion

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The Championship is now shaping up nicely and Newcastle have placed themselves in a good position to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt. However, they haven’t had things all their own way and there are some problems to address over the coming weeks. Rafa Benitez’s side have lost seven matches and are two points behind Brighton at the top of the league, despite playing one more match than the Seagulls. Although promotion will be the main aim, there will be a desire to go up as champions, especially considering the size of the club and reputation of the manager. Here are three issues that Newcastle need to address in order to win the Championship this season…

Add some creativity to the squad this month

The absence of Jonjo Shelvey has hit the side harder than many anticipated. Newcastle have a huge squad, which has been called the best the Championship has ever seen by some pundits and other managers. However, they don’t have anybody that can come in and replace Jonjo Shelvey. That much has been evident from the last three matches. Carlos Carvalhal was correct in his comments after Sheffield Wednesday’s victory at St James’ Park. He said that a side that wants to win the league can’t be reliant on one player and that is something that needs to be addressed.Neither Jack Colback nor Isaac Hayden have the creativity to play the role that Shelvey does and his absence has seriously affected the side’s build-up play.

Although Shelvey has three goals and six assists this season, he offers a lot more to the side than that. He controls the tempo of matches and can pick a forward pass that few others can. The ability to spot and successfully play a forward pass can provide the attackers with an extra second or two in the final third. Newcastle create much clearer cut chances with Shelvey in the side as he can spot passes that no other player in the squad is able to. Benitez needs to source another player like Shelvey that can compete with the 24-year-old and provide another creative option. Fabian Delph and Tom Cleverley have been linked. Either player would be a great signing for Newcastle in the Championship. They may also look to add another dynamic winger, as Yoan Gouffran and Matt Ritchie can be one paced and predictable at times.