Newcastle United commentator Matthew Raisbeck believes Eddie Howe may have a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Arsenal (12:30 GMT), after the way the Magpies’ midfield performed in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win Chelsea.

On the latest Total Sport Newcastle podcast, Raisbeck said: “Sandro Tonali in the number six role, maybe they’ve found the solution there. Bruno Guimaraes came in and played on his left and that’s where Bruno started at Newcastle, in that role Number eight has moved into the middle of late.

“I don’t think Tonali playing on the right of Bruno brings out the best in any of the players and against Chelsea, Willock with his run was fantastic. Sean Longstaff was fantastic and Joelinton, who the coach had singled out for having played particularly well, was everywhere.

“A lot of good performances, but that causes problems for Eddie Howe with his team. The midfield was definitely functional and effective.”

When asked how Newcastle will line up against the Gunners, Raisbeck explained that the different options at Howe’s disposal are a good thing.

“What I could do is leave Tonali in the middle,” he added.

“I think it will be the same three forwards. Bruno, as captain, will surely come in, so one of Longstaff or Willock will accompany them. It’s a good option and there is flexibility there.”

Lewis Hall is another player Raisbeck hopes to start on Saturday, highlighting the left-back as a defender who has impressed of late.

“Lewis Hall has been brilliant in recent weeks and really made that left-back position his own,” Raisbeck said.

“It just showed that patience was needed with him. We all wanted to see more from him but he obviously needed more time to work with Eddie Howe and learn a bit more about the defensive side of the game which has improved.

“He’s been fantastic and it’s been really good to see. There’s a lot to come from Lewis Hall in a Newcastle shirt.”

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.