Predicted Newcastle United Lineups For Next Season
Despite getting the wobbles of late, Newcastle look sure of being in the Premier League next season. Many fans are all aware of the increased demands in the top flight and are worried that Newcastle might not cope with it.
Manager Rafa Benitez has talked about the need of at least 6 new players to increase the quality of the squad. However, the fans would like a complete overhaul at the club, for them to be able to dream of going straight back towards the top end of the division.
Here, we look at two scenarios; the dream Newcastle line-up for next season and the realistic one. The dream team could, in theory, happen, as the Toon Army have a track record of pulling off a big-money surprise signing. However, as the years go by, and with Mike Ashley still in charge, these situations look increasingly less likely.
In any case, in a dream world, Newcastle should line-up like this:
A Dream Newcastle XI:
Formation: 4-3-3
GK – Karl Darlow
No reason not to keep the ‘keeper who is improving every month. He will surely be there next season as well and will keep his place.
RB – Calum Chambers
With Boro possibly going down, the England international will have his future assessed by Arsenal. If Newcastle choose to take the full-back on loan, he would be a really good signing.
CB – Jamaal Lascelles
As this season’s captain and as a young centre-back, Lascelles would need to be given the chance to prove that he is a Premier League player.
CB – Michael Keane
Keane has ambition and will not stay at Burnley for long. If Newcastle match that ambition, they would be a possible destination for the England player.
LB – Luke Shaw
Clearly, Mourinho is not too keen on Shaw and he is definitely what Newcastle need; an attack-minded full-back. Luke Shaw’s quality is well known and what a signing he would be!
CM – Jonjo Shelvey
Newcastle’s best player will not be moved. He has risen to prominence at Newcastle and is vital for the club’s future. A certainty in the Newcastle set-up.
CM – Michael Carrick (c)
He still has tons of class and any Newcastle supporter would welcome this move. A year on Tyneside as captain would be a brilliant move for both Carrick and Newcastle.
CM – Jack Wilshere
With his contract at Arsenal set to expire at the end of next season, his future looks uncertain and Newcastle would be a place where he would be immensely popular.
RW – Marcus Coco
One of Europe’s hottest properties, he would undoubtedly be a great addition and it would make sense for the Magpies to move for Coco.
ST – Jamie Vardy
Given Leicester’s struggles, he may be open to a move and would be a popular no.9 on Tyneside. Imagine the central midfield of Carrick, Wilshere, and Shelvey feeding Jamie Vardy!
LW – Dries Mertens
He is another player who may actually arrive. He’s attracting a lot of attention in Europe and it would be a great move if it happens.
A Realistic Newcastle XI:
A dream is just a dream for any club of any size. It need not necessarily happen and hence reality must be accepted by the fans no matter how harsh it is.
So this is how Newcastle may realistically lineup next season:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – Karl Darlow
The current no.1 has gained plenty of respect from the boss and is a crowd favourite. A certainty in the Newcastle team.
RB – DeAndre Yedlin
Although set to miss most of the pre-season regime, the American may continue at right-back. He is a sure shot too.
CB – Jamaal Lascelles (c)
Current skipper and still improving, the former Nottingham Forest man can prove his worth. He might hold on to the captain’s armband as well.
CB – Ryan Shawcross
Seeking a new challenge away from Stoke and reportedly a key target for Benitez, Shawcross will believe he can play his way into England’s 2018 World Cup squad.
LB – Paul Dummett
He has had to put up with some stick from supporters but the Wales international is solid defensively. There is no good reason to replace him.
CM – Jonjo Shelvey
One of the best passers in England, Shelvey is another who will be hoping to impress Gareth Southgate over the coming year.
CM – Isaac Hayden
Solid and still getting better, the former Arsenal man is finding his feet as a first team player now. He has flourished alongside Shelvey and will continue doing so.
RW – Marcus Coco
Not the finished article, may even start the season behind Ritchie in the pecking order.
CAM – Tom Cairney
The midfielder from Fulham would prove to be a useful alternative to Shelvey in getting Newcastle up the field.
LW – Gylfi Sigurdsson
A lot depends on whether Swansea go down or not, but if they do go down, then Sigurdsson is a realistic target. He can replace Gouffran on the left.
ST – Dwight Gayle
Would most likely be given the chance once again to prove himself at the top level. However, plenty of other names will be linked.
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