A lot’s been happening at Newcastle United this summer. No, we’re kidding. When has that ever happened? With just a day remaining before the transfer window closes, it’s the same old sombre feeling if you’re a Newcastle United fan.
Rafa Benitez has been able to add a few players but it doesn’t feel like the squad is in a better position than where it was a year ago. The gaffer will once again have to squeeze his resources and lead the club in the right direction but progressing or bettering last season’s result at this point in time seems tough.
Preseason results weren’t a confidence booster for the Tyneside outfit as they could manage just one win in five games. After going unbeaten in their first three games, Benitez’s side were beaten by Braga and Augsburg in their last two outings.
All the promoted clubs have spent more than the Magpies and that doesn’t even tell half the story. This Saturday, though, Benitez will have to ready his side for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur side who themselves have been very quiet this summer.
The side will be without Florian Lejeune who underwent a surgery recently. That’s twice in two seasons where the Frenchman’s first few months of a new season have been cut short. New signing Salomon Rondon might not feature as he has barely had any training time with the rest of the squad.
Martin Dubravka made the permanent switch to St James’ Park this summer and he is expected to start the first game. We are likely to see a four-man defence with Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar at the back. Paul Dummett and DeAndre Yedlin will start as the fullbacks.
Tottenham’s two fullbacks like venturing forward, so Yedlin and Dummett will have to be at the top of their game straight away.
The Newcastle midfield struggled with their passing during pre-season as they just didn’t seem on the same wavelength at all. The fans will hope that the English duo of Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey strike a better chemistry this Saturday.
Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie could be given the nod on the wide areas. Pace on the counter will be key against Tottenham. Ayoze Perez could start behind Joselu up top.
Joselu had a pretty average season last time as he mustered just four goals all season. With Rondon in the squad, Joselu will have to be much more productive when given his chances.
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