The next part of our Q&A with BBC Sport’s Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly looks at Dan Burn’s recent spell at left-back.
Jonathan asked: Do you think Eddie Howe understands the weaknesses of playing Dan Burn at left back? Will he always find a place for Burn on the team, even if it means changing his system?
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Ciaran replied: To be honest, I’m not sure Howe has had much of a choice.
When Lewis Hall was injured in March, the Newcastle head coach moved Tino Livramento to left back and kept Burn at centre-back.
But Livramento has also been sidelined of late with a knee injury, so apart from moving Burn, the only other alternative was to play Emil Krafth at right-back and switch Kieran Trippier to left-back.
Burn has obvious limitations at left-back and there is no way the tired defender should have been left on the field against Brentford, when he was on a booking and was extremely lucky to escape a red card after bringing down Dango Ouattara inside the area, only to award a penalty and be sent off for fouling the same player minutes later.
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Newcastle have been aware that Hall will return, but Saturday looks like a real opportunity for the left-back to re-consolidate his starting position, particularly after impressing for England Under-21s last week.
In truth, it is probably the easiest decision Howe has to make ahead of Manchester City’s visit, given how much Newcastle have missed Hall and, indeed, Livramento, who offers something different on the flanks.
What will be intriguing is what happens next.
Does Howe return to playing a back five to rediscover much-needed solidity on the road or does he return Burn to the heart of his defense?
