Newcastle United will be looking to end their misery when they host Watford this weekend. Rafa Benitez’s side have lost three consecutive matches including a 4-1 bashing at the hands of Manchester United and the Spaniard manager will be under pressure to deliver.
Just when everything started to look perfect, the Magpies lost their momentum and now they are up against one of the most consistent teams this season in the form of Watford.
The Hornets have sprung up a surprise by picking five wins and four losses and the credit goes to Marco Silva. The former Hull City manager has done wonders with his limited resources and his managerial vision has changed the turn of things at Vicarage Road.
When Newcastle got relegated in the 2015/16 season, they lost both their matches against Watford, so it seems revenge is on the mind for the Magpies. Watford do have a very envious away record so Newcastle have a very tough task cut out for them.
Predicted 4-4-2 Newcastle United Starting Lineup Vs Watford
Defence
Rob Elliot has been the preferred choice in the goal so far and he is going to have a big task on his hands in this match.
Jamaal Lascelles is suffering from an ankle injury and will miss this match. Ciaran Clark will continue in the heart of the Magpies defence. Florian Lejeune will be there with him to beef up the backline.
DeAndre Yedlin laid on the assist for Dwight Gayle in the last match against Manchester United and he will be hoping for a similar outcome. The right-back has often caused serious problems down the flanks.
Javier Manquillo will be on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden picked up his fifth yellow card and will miss the match. Mikel Merino is back in practice and he can be unleashed. The Spanish midfielder has impressed with his industrious activity in the middle of the pitch and is a constant placeholder in the starting lineup.
Jonjo Shelvey can be very inconsistent at times and he needs to be at his best if the Toon are to get anything from this match.
Attack
Matt Ritchie can be very dangerous on his day. The 28-year-old will start the proceedings from the left side.
Jacob Murphy showed a glimpse of form and he will be on the right side.
The two-man forward formula might be a flop but as goals are very scarce these days, Benitez will go for this setup. Joselu and Gayle will start up front.
