Newcastle United will be looking to continue their rise in English football. Many expected them to be in a relegation scrap last season, but they went on to finish in the top half of the table after a late flourish at the end of their campaign. However, everything hasn’t been right off the pitch as there has been a constant tug of war between the owner Mike Ashley and Rafael Benitez regarding the transfer funds.
Benitez would again be expected to work his magic with minimal support from the board as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in their first encounter at St. James’ Park. We can expect pretty much the same from the Spaniard in terms of tactics as his side would be well drilled, disciplined and defensively organised.
The Magpies have made seven signings this summer (including loan deals) with Yoshinori Muto being the costliest one at £9.5m. The fans have been left frustrated by the lack of ambition as they have seen other ‘lesser’ Premier League clubs spend tens of millions to land their targets. However, from whatever budget Benitez was offered, he has recruited smartly.
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Florian Lejeune would be a big miss for the Toon as he had formed a formidable partnership with Jamaal Lascelles at the back. The Frenchman suffered a cruciate ligament injury in July and is set to miss a good chunk of the start of the season. Apart from that, there are no other injury worries for Benitez.
Here, we take a look at the 4-4-1-1 Newcastle United predicted lineup that might start against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow.
Formation (4-4-1-1)
Defence
Martin Dubravka was brilliant between the stick in the second half of the last season when he was on loan at Tyneside. Benitez went on to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer. He will start over Karl Darlow.
Jamaal Lascelles will be the leader at the back, and in the absence of Lejeune, he will be partnered by new signing Fabian Schar. The Swiss international should get set to the groove of the English top flight quick if the Magpies want to keep the likes of Harry Kane and his company silent.
Paul Dummett and DeAndre Yedlin will reprise their role in the fullback positions.
Midfield
Jonjo Shelvey was the mainstay of the Magpies midfield last season, and he will look to carry on the excellent work this season as well. He will have a new partner in central midfield in Ki Sung Yueng. The 29-year-old South Korean midfielder has come in for free, and he will take up the mantle in midfield with the Englishman.
Kenedy has again been signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea, and he will play in his usual left midfield role. The Brazilian went on to become one of the fan favourites last season due to his tireless work ethic. Matt Ritchie was linked with a move away from the cub, but he has stayed on and should start from the right midfield position.
Attack
Ayoze Perez will play in the role of a shadow striker. The Toon were struggling to score goals freely and the introduction of Perez in the second half of the season paid rich dividends. He is likely to have a new partner up front as United have parted ways with Dwight Gayle and brought in Solomon Rondon. The Venezuelan will be expected to start, and Muto will have to wait to get his debut.
