Owen favours trio tactics

Owen: Favours former tactics

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Michael Owen believes Newcastle should revert back to a three-pronged attack if they are to succeed in the Premier league this season.

The Magpies employed a three-man strike force under a successful spell for Kevin Keegan which saw Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka team up to fire their side to safety after a poor start.

Sitting just above the drop zone on goal difference with Sunderland, Newcastle have failed to score in their last two games - both goalless draws against Chelsea and more recently Middlesbrough.

Looking to escape another relegation battle, Owen believes that the Magpies would stand a better chance of success if they were to revert back to their former tactics.

Welcome

Welcoming the return of his fit-again team-mate Viduka, Owen told the Chronicle: "It's good that Duke is back now.

"We did a good job last season and scored some cracking goals - we had our own special formation."

Owen, though, admits that competition for a starting spot in Newcastle's attack is high with so many strikers available for selection.

"In a way we are top-heavy in the striking department," he added.

Options

"We have seven people who can play there or do a job there.

"There is me, Oba, Dukes, Shola, Andy Carroll, Xisco and Alan Smith - they can all do a job.

"If you look at the centre-halves, maybe we have three or four. In centre midfield you have three recognised players.

"We are all well served, but we've had a lot of injuries over the years.

"Alan Smith is out at the minute, Shola has had injuries and so have I.

"It's only Oba that has been consistently fit."