3 – Jack Colback
Once referred to by Roy Hodgson as “the ginger Pirlo”, Jack Colback has impressed in recent games, netting 4 goals and setting up just as many.
He provides the Newcastle side with something different through the middle, and although his height may seem like an issue, it is what makes him want to play so much football on the ground.
If it makes it easier, Colback is a lot like our Cazorla, always looking to thread balls through gaps, and he works as a pivot point in the midfield. Instead of rallying into the area, Colback can always be found on the edge of the area, and will rarely shoot but can always pick out a pass.
His discipline can sometimes get the better of him, but that’s simply down to his love of the game and the club he plays for. It will be an interesting match up between him and Flamini, and I think he will struggle to deal with the young Englishman. Energy and determination are two of his main qualities, so Flamini will have a job on his hands to contain the threat through the middle.
Likely Newcastle Line-Up:
Alnwick
Janmaat Coloccini (c) Santon Dummett
Tiote
Sissoko Cabella Colback Ameobi
Cisse