Newcastle United, under Rafael Benitez, grabbed a top-half finish last season on returning to the Premier League. But they have failed miserably to strengthen themselves in summer and with only two points from eight league games, the Magpies have made their worst ever start to a top-flight season. They have lost all four of their home games this term and are in deep trouble ahead of the Saturday afternoon tie against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park.
The Seagulls have failed to win in their last 17 league outings on the road but hold a commanding record over the Magpies having lost only twice in previous ten meetings in all competitions. These defeats occurred during the 2016-17 season when both Brighton and Newcastle earned a Premier League promotion with the latter grabbed a victory in the final gameweek to claim the Championship title.
Team News
Ciaran Clark is a significant doubt for this weekend with a thigh injury whereas Florian Lejeune, the other defensive resource, remains the long-term absentee following his knee surgery. Jose Salomon Rondon is working hard to regain his fitness but might not make it to the starting XI against Chris Hughton’s men. However, Kenedy, Yoshinori Muto and Paul Dummett are back in contention having joined the team training.
Formation
Benitez has switched formations time and again depending upon the opponents’ strength and stature, but none of his 5-4-1, 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 has worked out so far to grind out results. The Spaniard, meanwhile, is likely to line the Magpies up in a 4-4-1-1 pattern but his side needs to start winning games despite limitations before it gets too late to script a survival.
Defence
Martin Dúbravka has been the only bright spark amid their current disappointment and is set to retain his place between the sticks banking on his excellent display.
DeAndre Yedlin, the United States right fullback, has struggled defensively but is expected to feature in his preferred role. Javier Manquillo was deployed as a left-back in the absence of Paul Dummett. But the return of the Welshman from a hamstring strain might see him grabbing his starting slot dropping the Spaniard among the reserves yet again. Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles should continue as the first-choice central defensive options ahead of an unimpressive Fabian Schar and injured Ciaran Clark.
Midfield
Newcastle were up by two goals at Old Trafford against Manchester United but conceded thrice after the break when their midfield was in a complete catastrophe having lost the plot. Mohamed Diame, in particular, was dreadful who instigated the Red Devils comeback conceding a silly free-kick and must uplift his game now to ensure his future in Magpies colours. Jonjo Shelvey should work on his concentration to run the show and orchestrate the flow of the game from a central midfield role.
Kenedy has been impressive at times down the left flank and also found the net once at Old Trafford. The Selecao starlet needs to work on his consistency to start making an impact in wide midfield as well as the attacking third. Matt Ritchie in right midfield must step up his game and contribute more in the build-up using the width of the pitch.
Attack
Ayoze Perez has adjusted well in the ‘hole’ as a second striker and is expected to feature as the ‘number 10’ behind Yoshinori Muto who looked purposeful as the lone centre-forward against Manchester United, having found the net in early minutes. Joselu is tipped to come off the bench late if Muto is declared fit to start whereas Salomon Rondon has recovered from his thigh strain and might be included in the 18-man squad to face the Seagulls.
