Newcastle United endured a mixed start to their campaign in England’s top league. After a quick start, Newcastle United flopped and their loss in form saw them sink to the lower end of the table. They managed to pause their slump and hold their form, something which saw the club move back to a respectable position in the league. But another slump saw Newcastle slide down again. They now stand 15th in the table and have collected just 10 of their last 45 available points.
In a league where results after each match week can send a club relegation to top ten, Newcastle will have to continue their fight if they wish to stay afloat this season.
On the transfer front, things have been very jittery and unplanned. After a very impressive season in the Championships that saw Newcastle return to the Premier League, Benitez demanded more signings of Premier League standard to establish the club in England’s premier competition. However, with Newcastle unable to sell their existing crop of players, Newcastle has had to deal with a stagnant squad and that has frustrated Benitez. With the January transfer window now open, Benitez will look to go through with fresh transfer dealings to help his team improve.
The Magpies have already signed Kenedy from Chelsea on loan and are looking at a few more possibilities before the transfer window slams shut. Their hitman Dwight Gayle has been unable to replicate his form from last season and that has seen Newcastle linked with a club record move for Feyenoord Rotterdam striker Nicolai Jorgensen.
After the FA Cup defeat against Chelsea, he will be facing another stern test in Burnley. The Clarets are in a temporary patch but have been excellent overall this season and will be no easy team to run past. Benitez will be stuck with the team he has as no immediate signing has been signalled although Kenedy to make his debut.
Formation: 4-4-2
Defence
Robert Elliot can be expected to stay out with Karl Darlow picked again to play in goal.
DeAndre Yedlin will be positioned in right back with Kenedy at left back. 28-year old Ciaran Clark along with Jamaal Lascelles will be expected at the heart of Newcastle United defence.
Midfield
A midfield quartet of Christian Atsu on the left, Matt Ritchie on the right, with Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel Merino, who will be expected to play for the match against Burnley.
Attack
Ayoze Perez will be playing in behind Joselu as the two forwards for Newcastle United with Dwight Gayle likely to come off the bench.
