Newcastle United are hosting Huddersfield Town for their Premier League fixture at St James’ Park on Saturday. The Magpies went 4 points clear of the bottom three by thrashing Southampton by 3 goals to nil, last game day.
Kenedy scored his first goal since joining Newcastle on loan from Chelsea when he collected Jonjo Shelvey’s pass on his chest, spun and shot on the half-volley past Alex McCarthy.
The Brazilian doubled the advantage when he finished off a quick counter-attack following a Southampton corner after good work by Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle.
The hosts added a third in the second half when Shelvey set up the unmarked Ritchie, who steered his shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner.
Rafael Benitez has placed a major hand in Newcastle’s resurrection in the Premier League. Even with the limited resources at hand, he has steered the team clear of an uncontested relegation. The Spaniard even managed to beat Manchester United earlier in February, 1-0.
With 8 games still left, they are well poised to survive but Huddersfield, on the other hand, might not. The Terriers are on a 3-game losing streak after the 0-2 defeat against Crystal Palace at home.
The last time these two sides matched up was in August, which Huddersfield won, 1-0. This repeat fixture is anticipated to be thrilling one especially with sides desperate to steer further clear of the relegation scraps.
Here is how Newcastle United might lineup on matchday.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Defence
Both Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are backup options now that Martin Dubravka has arrived at the club. The 29-year-old’s heroics against the Red Devils has earned him the first team spot.
Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark are expected to get paired up in the centre-back position with Florian Lejeune as a backup.
Paul Dummett might provide cover from the left and DeAndre Yedlin from the right.
Midfield
Mohamed Diame and Mikel Merino has looked solid in the holding midfield role and might just start in this fixture with Jonjo Shelvey still doubtful.
The flanks might be occupied by Kenedy on the left and Matt Ritchie on the right.
Attack
Ayoze Perez has been the best attacking threat for the Magpies in recent times and is always a handful for the opposition defence. With him in the shadow striker role or at the attacking midfield role United can hope to launch the quick counter attacks.
Dwight Gayle is expected to feature in the number nine role with Joselu making a substitute appearance.
