Newcastle United’s FA Cup draw against Birmingham City meant that the Magpies are still winless in the New Year. Rafa Benitez’s side lost to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on the second of January and the defeat was a hard one to take as the away side pretty much dominated the game yet failed to find the back of the net.
Newcastle made as many as eight changes for their FA Cup which wasn’t a hint that Rafa doesn’t care about cup competitions. The Magpies have the necessary squad depth and should have picked up another routine win which was denied to them by Birmingham’s Lukas Jutkiewicz. A replay is the last thing they would have wanted as they want to avoid the extra games despite having an able squad.
The players are creating openings, but things simply aren’t falling into place in the final third. Rafa’s side will take next take on Brentford who have been disappointing this campaign. Newcastle had a comfortable win in the reverse fixture and the travelling fans will hope that their side can avoid any slip-ups and get back to winning ways after falling behind Brighton in the league table.
Rafa has a few injury worries and suspensions to deal with. While Aleksandar Mitrovic has a nasty gash and will miss the clash, influential midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is still suspended for the clash. Many feel that his absence has hurt the team but they are still creating chances, it’s only the profligacy in front of goal that’s affecting the team’s form.
Here’s how Rafa might set up his team.
Predicted Newcastle lineup
The defence has looked shaky of late as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games in all competitions. Rafa will expect a better performance from his defence. Paul Dummett is likely to return to the starting XI and so could Ciaran Clark who will partner Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the defence. Karl Darlow will return in goal after getting a breather during the Cup game.
In the midfield, Isaac Hayden will partner Jack Colback. Hayden had a good impact after coming on in against Birmingham. Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran could start on the flanks and will provide the service to Dwight Gayle who will return to the starting XI.
Ayoze Perez is expected to play behind Gayle in Mo Diame and Aleksander Mitrovic’s absence and needs to put in a good display if he wants to be a regular in the second half of the season.
