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Benitez to make 4 changes – Predicted 5-4-1 Newcastle lineup to face Manchester City

Predicted Newcastle United Lineup To Face Manchester City In The Premier League

Newcastle United are going for three away league wins in a row, a feat that in this case looks about as likely as Donald Trump popping down to Cancun for the weekend. Naturally, there’ll be no new talent in the Newcastle squad either, so the long-suffering Rafael Benitez will make do with his usual band of men who are admirable and honest but limited in quality.

Despite criticism from some fans, Benitez is likely to repeat the uber-defensive tactics employed in the home game against the Cityzens a few weeks back which very nearly earned them a point ultimately. I for one wouldn’t blame him.

We could see a 5-4-1 formation at the Etihad with the following XI lining up:

Probable Newcastle XI

GK – Karl Darlow

In ahead of Rob Elliot at the moment, though how long for we have no idea.

CB – Jamaal Lascelles

Newcastle’s top defender and captain. He takes everything personally and will demand a big performance from his back four or five.

CB – Ciaran Clark

Playing well alongside the skipper lately in a flat back four so would be unlucky to miss out should the shape change.

Jamaal Lascelles

CB – Paul Dummett

The solid and reliable Dummett is rather underrated and his presence in the side could be crucial for this game.

RWB – DeAndre Yedlin

I hate this shape personally, but it’s one which suits players like Yedlin. A right-back who loves to get forward, he’s likely to be handed this role.

LWB – Javier Manquillo

No world beater, but has basic defensive skills which may be very valuable on the day.

RM – Matt Ritchie

Jacob Murphy may offer some late pace but Ritchie’s dead ball skills should tip the starting berth in his favour.

CM – Isaac Hayden

Mo Diame may be given the jersey but Hayden has better defensive qualities and hopefully gets the nod.

Mikel Merino (on the ball)

CM – Mikel Merino

Jonjo Shelvey refused the manager’s handshake last time and while in public all is forgiven between the two, he has been in the team to the chagrin of plenty of fans of late and his time could be up now. Merino has quality and deserves more starts.

LM – Christian Atsu

At least takes his man on down the left and should be allowed to express himself on the big stage here.

ST – Ayoze Perez

Quantity, not quality is the Newcastle way at present and so it’s either Perez, Gayle or Joselu for this role with the Spaniard in better form of late.

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