Newcastle United will be hosting bottom-placed West Brom for their Premier League fixture at the St. James’ Park this weekend. The Magpies have secured their place in the top-flight and are looking quite comfortable in the 10th spot of the points table.
Rafael Benitez lead his side to an incredible winning streak of 4 which unfortunately ended in the mid-week tie against Everton. Theo Walcott ended up scoring a solo goal to launch the Toffees back up to the 8th spot of the league table.
United were supposed to undergo the toughest final stretch of the season which obviously raised questions about their survival odds. However, even with the lack of any permanent January signing Benitez has found a way to grind out miraculous results in the most unexpected of ways. The Tyneside outfit even held the top-six club, Arsenal, to a 2-1 defeat earlier this month to clear the 40-point mark.
They might not have much to fight for in the remaining 4 games of the season but losing is not on their plans. Albion, on the other hand, are desperate for maximum points in this fixture as they still have the slimmest of possibilities to make the Premier League cut next season.
The Baggies drew 2-2 against Liverpool last weekend and are still 8 points adrift of safety. They will have to keep their fingers crossed over either Swansea City or any of the bottom half clubs to slip up in the final three game weeks.
They will have to overcome a defensively solid Magpies team away from home and here is how their opposition might lineup on Saturday.
Predicted Formation: 4-4-1-1
Defence
Both Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are backup options now that Martin Dubravka has arrived over the January window. The 29-year-old has made life easier for Benitez, the goal line being one less thing to worry about for the Spaniard.
Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune are expected to get paired up in the centre-back position with Ciaran Clark as the backup.
Paul Dummett might provide cover from the left and DeAndre Yedlin from the right.
Midfield
Mohamed Diame’s presence is anticipated in the starting XI alongside the creatively charged Jonjo Shelvey.
Kenedy and Matt Ritchie are to occupy the flanks with the latter placed on the right.
Attack
Ayoze Perez is the predicted starter in the shadow striker role with Islam Slimani up front. Dwight Gayle and Joselu are set to remain on the bench as the backup.
