It lends itself to less hoof ball purely down the availability of personnel in the middle.
Indeed, would be really nice to see after a few games in a row and Tiote in midfield along with a proper midfield general aka a playmaker.
Also it allows to play the Front 3 and be defensively balanced. Hoping its a long term thing and not just a spur of the moment type thing from Pardew.
Totally agree Mole.
I actually reckon that Pardew had this sort of formation in mind when he signed Cabaye etc in the summer.
Anything that lends itself to less lumping of the ball from Simpson et al wins my vote.