Many Newcastle United fans have been debating whether Steve Bruce should start Dwight Gayle against Leeds United on Wednesday evening following his impact against West Brom lsat weekend.
Gayle has endured a frustrating first few months of the campaign, missing the opening weeks of 2020/21 with a knee injury he suffered during pre-season. However, he came off the bench in the final 21 minutes against West Brom and made a telling impression, heading home the winning goal for the Magpies and showing the qualities he can bring to the team.
The 30-year-old’s impact from the bench against West Brom saw him continue his impressive form from the back end of last season. He has now averaged a goal every 98.2 minutes since the resumption of the Premier League after lockdown in June, per Chronicle Live. That leaves Bruce with a major dilemma over whether to pair him with the in-form Callum Wilson from the start.
Joelinton has been starting to show signs he could have something to offer in a partnership with Wilson, and it could therefore be harsh on the Brazilian to drop him from the starting line-up. For the first time this season, though, Bruce now have a surplus of centre-forward options.
Newcastle fans debate whether Dwight Gayle should start v Leeds
Many Newcastle fans were keen to suggest that the 30-year-old should not be involved from the start against Leeds given he has only just recovered from injury. However, there were some who felt that, given his form, it might be worth starting him at Elland Road.
If he plays as well as the last time he played for Newcastle at Elland Road I’d start him in a heartbeat https://t.co/T6JL69EaNY
— Steven Howard (@StevenJHoward27) December 14, 2020
Yes a half fit Gayle will give you more than the big fella!
— Bellringer1 (@Bellringer111) December 14, 2020
Definitely
— Davy Craig (@Davy_Craig) December 14, 2020
No would build his game time up, maybe Fulham.
— Anthony Stewart (@Anthony6Stewart) December 14, 2020
No. Joelinton and Wilson up top. They seem to be forming a good partnership. Gayle will also need to build up his fitness. Have him on from the bench.
— DannyNUFC ⚫⚪ (@DanielNUFC85) December 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/ry_hudson91/status/1338561267154497537?s=19
https://twitter.com/megatoon1892/status/1338555968800649218?s=19
