The basic story to be outlined for the clash of two heavyweights at St. James Park on Monday is that of a demoted team with an undying spirit to resurrect their stature versus another side yet to recover from the downfall. Brighton & Hove Albion might have leapfrogged Newcastle United to claim the top spot in the Championship with a slender lead of a couple of points, but the Magpies would be expecting to clinch all three points by beating Aston Villa at their very own backyard.
Underestimating the Villans could, however, prove to be costly and thus, Rafael Benitez should keep his basics right and look forward to ensuring that the following three points are kept in mind in the clash against Aston Villa.
1. Implement The Triangle
Benitez should be using the triangle of Matt Ritchie, DeAndre Yedlin, and Jonjo Shelvey, for the trio has indeed combined well and has thrived under pressure as well. Aston Villa would be entering the game to bag a draw against a high-flying Newcastle United side who are miles better than them, so to beat their defense, the trio must fire yet again.
Yedlin, from the right back slot, steers the side from the back and works with Ritchie on the wings. This allows Shelvey to get forward and have a shy at the goal and work on the right flank with the other two as well. Their precise passing, a knack to create a constant threat and building the game from the right-hand side should hurt the Lions.
2. Use The Tried And Tested Attacker
Dwight Gayle is back in the groove, which implies that he is to be put in the starting line-up against Steve Bruce’s side. Aleksandar Mitrovic did a decent job in the absence of the former Crystal Palace striker, but his boots were too big to be filled.
So far this campaign, Gayle has garnered 20 goals out of 23 appearances that he has been handed, registering 2 assists and creating 19 chances as well and was dearly missed by the white and black striped outfit. Now that the 26-year-old has put the wheels back on track by making a cameo against Norwich City, he must start to rattle Aston Villa’s troublesome defense on Monday.
3. A Look At The Bench
Newcastle United does boasts of formidable bench strength, and the former Real Madrid gaffer should be shrewd with his substitutions. Mitrovic could prove to be crucial as a super sub to cater to the striking needs of the clubs, whereas the likes of Christian Atsu and Mohamed Diame, if put on the field at apt times, could prove to be pivotal in registering a success against Bruce’s troops.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
