This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more... 

Isaac Hayden is having a mixed season under Steve Bruce but from what he has shown on occasion he could be key to Newcastle picking up a win against Bournemouth on Saturday.

On the chalkboard

The former Arsenal man has featured in eight league games out of 11 but it was his own fault that he has missed out, as he picked up a red card against Leicester - a mistake which contributed to a 5-0 defeat.

Since then the Longstaff brothers' partnership has come to fruition and threatened to keep Hayden out of the side, and with Jonjo Shelvey also performing well against West Ham - with a well-taken goal - Bruce certainly has a central midfield dilemma on his hands.

In the interest of keeping a balanced team, and reducing the influence of the Cherries' midfield, Bruce has to play a ball-winner.

That means Hayden has to start. He may have got sent off a few weeks ago but that shows the tenacity in his game, and he has also made more tackles per game than any Newcastle player, with 3.1, which highlights what the midfield misses when he is not available.

In addition, he has been adept with the ball at his feet this season, too. No Magpies midfielder has achieved a better pass accuracy than his 78%, a stat which has contributed to him ranking third out of midfielders who have conceded possession the least amount for teams outside the top six.

Combative player

Hayden should be enjoying life under Bruce much more than his predecessor, having requested to leave in the summer following two years in which he didn't play as much as he hoped for.

His involvement increased slightly last season, from 15 starts to 21 in the Premier League, but not enough to satisfy his demands, and therefore he will be hoping his recent strong performances are rewarded with an extended run in the team.

The 24-year-old suits the Magpies' counter-attacking style too, and could prove important in disrupting Bournemouth's rhythm.

Eddie Howe usually encourages his team to play passing, free-flowing football, but in making his side more difficult to beat - with one goal conceded in their last four games - they have lost a little in midfield.

They have averaged just 46% possession so far, with an overall pass accuracy of 75%, and that means if they are put under pressure by the harrying of Hayden, they could give the ball away easily.

Overturning possession, particularly in midfield, suits Bruce's side very well, as it allows the pacy wingers to get on the front foot before the opposition has time to react, and that could result in the chances and goals to win Newcastle the game.