Newcastle United were dumped out of the FA Cup against League One side Oxford United as Rafa Benitez decided to opt for a second team, keeping an eye on the midweek game against Queens Park Rangers. Now with absolutely nothing to distract the Magpies, we expect them to come out all guns blazing as they take the title race to the wire.
Defence
Karl Darlow will return under the bar. The manager decided to rest him in favour of Matz Sels and the Belgian had a match to forget.
We expect changes at the back with Benitez taking absolutely no risk this time unlike in the weekend. Paul Dummett will return to take his left-back role after he started on the bench against Oxford United, giving way to Massadio Haidara. Vurnon Anita is out till mid-February with an ankle injury and we expect DeAndre Yedlin to start on the right defensive flank. Benitez opted with the experience of Jesus Gamez in the weekend, but he did little to impress Rafa.
The ever-reliable duo of Ciaran Clank and Jamaal Lascelles are expected to return to the centre-half position.
Midfield
Midfield has been a huge problem for Newcastle United this season as Benitez doesn’t see himself having many options when he wants to rest Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback. However, now with Mohamed Diame returning to the squad as Senegal crashed out of the African Cup of Nations, Benitez is expected to play him alongside Shelvey in the middle of the park.
Colback is ill and his return is a doubt. Hence, we expect him to start on the bench even if he is well for the game. Benitez had no one to support Isaac Hayden in his midfield against Oxford United as centre-back Curtis Good looked clearly out of position in the midfield.
Magpies’ fans would be relieved to see Yoan Gouffran starting on the flanks again after Newcastle United felt almost non-functional from wings in the last match. Yasin Ben El-Mhanni started on the left wing and is clearly not the quality Benitez needs. Daniel Barlaser will give way to fan favourite Matt Ritchie, who has been in sublime form this season, scoring six and assisting six so far.
Attack
Ayoze Perez is expected to take the number 10 role. He has been way more effective as a playmaker than playing as a striker. Dwight Gayle is expected to return soon from his hamstring but Benitez shouldn’t rush him. We expect the experienced Daryl Murphy to take his position up front.
