Predicted Newcastle United Line-up To Face West Bromwich Albion
Newcastle United’s run of league form is worrying, especially since their defeats have been about more than the bare results. Newcastle were as bad as how good Watford were on Saturday and that 3-0 home hammering was a wake-up call to some.
The Toons are back in action this midweek when they travel to strugglers West Brom for a Premier League clash on Tuesday.
West Brom are fresh from a 1-1 draw against Spurs at Wembley on Saturday. The Baggies, who are on an 11-match winless run, will aim to end it on Tuesday when they cross swords with Newcastle.
Team News
Isaac Hayden is now available after suspension and Mikel Merino made his return at the weekend, though the game comes too soon for injury victims Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles and Christian Atsu.
At least one of Merino or Hayden is likely to start in place of Mo Diame and that’s a huge positive, though the rest of the side will have to have a similar look to the one well beaten against Watford with little else at Rafa Benitez’s disposal, though the two striker idea may be dropped with Ayoze Perez coming back in.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Manager: Rafael Benitez
GK – Rob Elliot
Doing little wrong as usual, though he’s not the sort of modern goalkeeper who can influence the game for Newcastle and changes will be made very soon.
RB – DeAndre Yedlin
Scored an own goal at the weekend but is likely to keep his place at right-back for this trip.
CB – Florian Lejeune
The Frenchman is an able deputy for skipper Lascelles, who should at least be capable of keeping his cool during the match.
CB – Ciaran Clark
Yet another Newcastle player who is admirable, consistent and popular with the fans but will need to be replaced ultimately if the club are to maintain their Premier League status, let along climb into the top six ultimately.
LB – Javier Manquillo
The club need Dummett back as soon as possible, though a new left-back is likely to come in during the next transfer window with Luke Shaw still a possibility.
RW – Matt Ritchie
Magic Matt possesses plenty of quality and his final ball and set-piece ability could be crucial on Tuesday night.
CM – Jonjo Shelvey
An expert passer of the ball, Shelvey’s involvement could be vital here, as accuracy is needed to reach the front men.
CM – Isaac Hayden
Fans will call out for Merino, but the Spaniard is likely to make an appearance from the bench with Hayden probably employed to solidify the midfield.
LW – Jacob Murphy
Still learning his trade, Murphy probably needs a goal or two at this level to get the confidence to believe he is a Premier League winger.
CAM – Ayoze Perez
This is guesswork, but Perez has been complimented by Benitez lately and featured on the matchday programme cover on Saturday. The ‘two up front system’ has not been working and so the return of a ‘No.10’ may be required.
ST – Dwight Gayle
Seems to have finally convinced Benitez that he should be playing up front in the Premier League and a goal at Hawthorns would do him the world of good.
