Newcastle United need a response. A 4-1 defeat at Leeds United strips away the excuses and leaves Matthias Jaissle with a simple task ahead of Hull City, pick a side that can win, and pick one that can cope with a growing injury list.

The problem is obvious. Several players who would usually be in the starting XI are unavailable, the squad looks stretched, and a few positions now pick themselves for the wrong reasons. That does not mean there are no decisions to make. There are. Some are practical, some are tactical, and some are about deciding who can be trusted after a bad afternoon.

Against Hull at St James’ Park, Newcastle should still expect to dominate the ball. That means this is less about sentiment and more about function. They need control in midfield, better use of possession, and more threat in the final third.

In goal, Lukas Hornicek remains the clear choice. With Ewen Jaouen injured, there is no real debate. Conceding four at Leeds does not alter the wider picture. Hornicek has been one of Newcastle’s better performers this season and has every chance of keeping that status if the defence in front of him does its job properly.

At right-back, Tino Livramento is expected to return. Amar Dedić being ruled out makes that call straightforward. Fitness is the concern, not quality. Livramento may not be fully sharp, but Newcastle do not have the luxury of waiting around for ideal conditions.

At centre-back, Malick Thiaw should keep his place and likely keep the captain’s armband as well. He has been the steadier option at the back, even in a side that has looked vulnerable too often. Alongside him, Fabian Schar deserves serious consideration. Newcastle’s build-up play has been uneven and Schar remains one of the few defenders in the squad capable of passing through pressure rather than around it. If Jaissle wants more control from deep, Schar is the obvious answer.

Lewis Hall should continue at left-back. He has started every Premier League game this season and there is no reason to think that changes now. He has held his level well, even when the team around him has not.

Midfield is where the injury damage really shows. With Nico González and Jacob Ramsey unavailable, Jaissle is left with fewer reliable combinations than he would want. Lewis Miley looks certain to start. There has been some noise about whether he fades when matches become messy, but talent is not the issue. He is still one of the few midfielders in this squad who can bring order when Newcastle need it.