Newcastle United carved an immediate return back to the English top flight last season as they clinched the Championship title and impliedly received an automatic promotion spot by leapfrogging past Brighton & Hove Albion right at the death.
The Magpies were hit the right chords and kept performing well and the uplift they chiseled was the testament to their productivity. Rafael Benitez navigated them in a shrewd manner last season and would be keen to maintain the Premier League status of his side at the end of the campaign.
The summer transfer window provides an excellent platform for the clubs to beef up their arsenal for the long season that awaits. The black and white striped side haven’t begged to differ and have bolstered their ranks substantially.
Benitez made some stupendous signings over the course of the summer transfer window, as he lured some quality names in the shapes of Jacob Murphy, Florian Lejeune, Christian Atsu, Joselu, Javier Manquillo and Mikel Merino to St. James’ Park.
Now that the transfer window has been done and dusted, here is how we anticipate the former Napoli boss in dishing out his starting lineup when he possesses a fully fit squad to operate with.
Defence
Rob Elliot has been given the nod ahead of Karl Darlow and Elliot has indeed done a decent job between the sticks for the Toon so far. To be stationed ahead of him on a regular basis should be the partnership of Lejeune and Ciaran Clark.
To be used for the left-back slot should be Paul Dummett, as his quality and industry down the left have been really beneficial for Newcastle United for quite some time now. On the right-back position, Manquillo should be putting his mobility and perfect composure between his offensive and defensive endeavours on offer.
Midfield
Merino’s entry has been a morale boosting one for Benitez’s outfit and his strong physical attributes should hand the Geordies an element of resilience in the middle of the park, and he is likely to be teed up with Jonjo Shelvey. Spaniard Ayoze Perez is perceived to start behind the striker from the no.10 position.
Attack
Signed from Stoke City during the transfer window, Joselu should be spearheading Newcastle United’s attack on a regular basis this season. On his right, Murphy creativity, pace and mobility should be on offer whereas, on the left-wing, Atsu is likely to be stationed frequently.
