After consecutive losses against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in their last three league games, Newcastle United now have a chance to pick up some points this weekend, when they travel to Selhurst Park this weekend. Rafa Benitez’s men have scored just four goals this season that won them just a solitary point. Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, who are fresh from a win over Huddersfield Town would be no pushovers by any means.
Palace have lost three games in their campaign but playing at home, they would want to take maximum points from this tie. But for the visitors, this is the first chance in almost a month to express themselves on the field. Here is the predicted lineup Rafa might field in search of his first victory this campaign:
Team News:
Rafa Benitez does not have too many injury issues to worry about ahead of this game. He would be without Florian Lejeune, who is out with a knee injury. The Daily Star recently revealed that Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles are yet to resume training and will undergo late fitness tests to make the squad this weekend.
Expected lineup (4-4-1-1):
Defence:
Martin Dubravka is currently the first choice at St James’ Park for Rafa. He has been impressive in bits and would hope that he will not be too busy under the bar this weekend. With Lascelles doubtful, Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark could both start in a four-man backline this weekend. The duo will be up against the likes of Wilfried Zaha and need to be at their best to keep the Palace man quiet in this game.
Paul Dummett at left-back and DeAndre Yedlin at right-back will also have to face similar issues against an exciting Palace attack in this tie.
Midfield:
Shelvey was not used in the game against Arsenal and is yet to reach full fitness. He might not be risked in the starting XI as Rafa is expected to stick with Mohamed Diame and Isaac Hayden, both of whom did pretty well against Arsenal last weekend.
Matt Ritchie has not been able to make a real impact on the first team recently and needs to pick up his game quickly. He will keep his place on the right side of the midfield for this game. Rafa used Jacob Murphy on the left side of the midfield against Arsenal but might revert to Kenedy to add some width on that flank.
Attack:
Ayoze Perez has been one of the most impressive players St James’ Park early this season. He should continue in his no.10 role against the Eagles. Salomon Rondon will hope to get some joy against the likes of Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins in this game.
Here is how they might line up:
