Newcastle United will face familiar foe Huddersfield Town this weekend as Rafael Benitez visits John Smith’s Stadium after a nightmarish start in their comeback campaign of the Premier League. While the Mags weren’t quite the favourites against Tottenham Hotspur last game, the absentees going into the next few matches would surely hurt more to the manager.
However, given the cool head that Benitez has always been, we expect the manager to come ready with a squad capable of taking on the Terriers on their home turf. Newcastle face the likes of Southampton, West Ham United, Leicester City and Burnley in the next four games and have a real chance of turning their poor start to a strong standing.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Newcastle United Line-up vs Huddersfield Town
Defence
Rafael Benitez decided to start with the experienced Ron Elliot last game and the Irish man did well in the first half before Spurs came with two goals that the 31-year-old hardly had answers to. Given the uncertainty surrounding Benitez’s first choice Karl Darlow, Elliot is expected to keep his place under the bar this game too.
The four-man back line will see changes. Benitez will be without Paul Dummett and Florian Lejeune, as both limped off the field last game with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. The manager has already revealed that they are out for weeks and we expect Jamaal Lascelles and Massadio Haidara to take their places.
The young Frenchman has been largely a third choice for Benitez last season but his physique could see him get the nod over Achraf Lazaar this time. The rest of the players should remain same with Ciaran Clark and Javier Manquillo retaining their positions. The Terriers have some dangerous players in Tom Ince, Steve Mounie and Aaron Mooy who could cause real trouble for Newcastle.
Midfield
Much more than the injuries, the red card to Jonjo Shelvey was the biggest blow for the Spaniard. The experienced holding midfielder has been his main orchestrator throughout the last season and Benitez would have to take a risk with Mikel Merino in the defensive midfield now.
He is expected to start alongside former Arsenal midfielder Isaac Hayden. Benitez has a plethora of options in the central midfield in the likes of Mo Diame, Jack Colback, Siem de Jong and more.
The number 10 is expected to be Ayoze Perez. The Spaniard has been quite impactful for Benitez last season and would expect to get on the scoresheet this time.
Attack
While the wings are expected to be taken by Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle will spearhead the attack.
