Just when everything started to go in Newcastle United’s way, they suffered a humiliating 1-3 defeat at the hands of Fulham at St. James’ Park. Although they are still placed at the summit of the Championship’s league table on goal difference, the Toons have garnered merely a point from their last two league outings.
On Saturday, Rafael Benitez & company would be hosted by Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s which is arguably an excellent opportunity for the visiting side to bag all three points.
Here is how we expect them to line up this weekend for a very important match, considering the scenario of the second tier of English football.
Defence
Karl Darlow is expected to keep the gloves once again this weekend, for the 26-year-old has made the goalkeeping role his own. In 28 appearances, Darlow has collected 11 clean sheets, making 2.11 saves per game on an average and to get back to winning ways, the Magpies would need him to step up.
Ahead of him, we expect a usual four-man defensive formation, comprising of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Vurnon Anita and Paul Dummett. While the central defensive pairing of Lascelles and Clark failed to get together against the Cottagers in their last outing, that doesn’t take away the credentials of them arguably being one of the best central defensive duos in the Championship this term. In the right full-back slot, we expect Anita to start with Dummett on the other side.
Midfield
Jonjo Shelvey’s presence in the middle of the park has been absolutely vital for the Geordies and while he injects a bit of flamboyance in the midfield, the calmness and precision of Jack Colback make them a treat to watch and these two should be oiling Benitez’s midfield machinery against the Blues.
On the right wing, it is likely that we will get to see Matt Ritchie make yet another start while on the other flank, Christian Atsu should be getting a nod ahead of Yoan Gouffran.
Attack
To be slotted in the no. 10 role should be Ayoze Perez at the expense of Mohamed Diame, for the latter was absolutely ineffective against Fulham last weekend. His creativity was a complete mess, so was his attacking endeavours and dropping him to the bench should be very justifiable. In the striker’s role, we should be seeing Dwight Gayle who would need to start firing once again to take the black and white crop back to winning ways.
Predicted Line-Up:
