Newcastle United didn’t have a positive start to their Premier League campaign last weekend but will hope to muster a better result when they take on newly promoted side Cardiff City.
Benitez’s side have a good record against the Welsh side and have won six of the last seven meetings between the two, so they’ll hope they can open their Premier League account this weekend.
Newcastle United – Team News
Newcastle suffered the blow of losing Florian Lejeune before the season began and he won’t be available for selection for a while. DeAndre Yedlin suffered a knee strain against Spurs and is likely to miss the Cardiff trip as well.
Federico Fernández, an eleventh-hour addition from relegated Swansea City, might be involved late in the game if Rafa deems it necessary.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Martin Dubravka, the little-known Slovakian, made an instant impact between the sticks following a loan move from Sparta Prague earlier this year and has now been tied down on a permanent deal to continue as club’s number 1. He started the game against Spurs ahead of Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot and should keep his place in goal.
Skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark started at the heart of the defence and are likely to get the nod ahead of Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez. The two new recruits could slowly be integrated into the team.
DeAndre Yedlin, a major concern due to injury, is expected to be replaced by Javier Manquillo in the right-back position. Paul Dummett should retain his place on the opposite flank.
Midfield
Jonjo Shelvey has been the most influential figure in the Newcastle midfield since Benitez’s appointment and the Englishman will orchestrate the flow of the game from a deeper role alongside Mohamed Diame. The latter is more of a combative midfielder.
Kenedy, the Chelsea loanee, was excellent with his runs, dribbles and movement in the final third against Spurs and will once again look to test the opposing defence from his preferred left wing role.
Matt Ritchie should occupy the opposite flank while Ayoze Perez, who has redefined his form under Rafa in the number 10 role, should continue behind the striker. Perez found the back of the net 10 times in all competitions last season.
Attack
Although they roped in Salomon Rondon and Yoshinori Muto recently, a goal against Spurs could mean another start for Joselu as of now. The Spaniard will need to improve his overall gameplay, however, if he wants to keep his place in the long run.
