Huddersfield Town are due to make a trip to St. James’ Park today to face Newcastle United in their next Premier League fixture. Both the sides are still in the proximity of the relegation zone and it goes without saying that the fixture promises to be an entertaining one considering what is at stake.
Here are three key battles that can have an impact on the outcome of the clash.
#3 Jamaal Lascelles vs. Steve Mounie
Jamaal Lascelles has been a true leader on the pitch for the Magpies as he has rallied his defensive teammates time and again and has been quite resilient at the heart of Newcastle United’s back line. He has been convincing in terms of reading the opposing players’ attacking movements.
However, Steve Mounie has been quite clinical up front as well and there is no denying that Lascelles will be tested by the 23-year-old Huddersfield Town striker.
#2 Dwight Gayle vs. Mathias Jorgensen
Dwight Gayle might not have been exceptional this season but he has been making his presence felt lately. Gayle has scored 2 goals and has also registered 2 assists in his last 4 games for the Toon and Rafael Benitez will be hoping that the striker continues to dazzle during the business end of the season.
Meanwhile, Mathias Jorgensen will be primarily tasked with the responsibility of keeping the Newcastle United striker at bay.
Zanka’s dominating stature and his shrewd decision-making skills are not unknown and he certainly needs to step up to save the blushes of his employers.
#1 Jonjo Shelvey vs. Alex Pritchard
Jonjo Shelvey is expected to be stationed at the middle of the park by Benitez and he has to make full use of the experience he has under his belt. Shelvey has to shield the Magpies’ back line and at the same time, the team will expect him to start the counterattacks with his wide range of passing.
Alex Pritchard msade the move to the Kirklees Stadium in the January transfer window and he is slowly but surely adjusting himself to the Premier League. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has to deal with the likes of Shelvey and Mohamed Diame and then put his attacking prowess on offer in the final third.