The season has been a tough one so far for Newcastle United and things could get tougher this weekend when they take on Manchester United away from home. The Magpies were beaten comfortably by Leicester City in their last outing, and it was a worrying sign for Rafa Benitez as his team just haven’t mustered enough quality to win a game.
Newcastle have picked up just two points from their seven games so far, and their form has been pretty dire. Although Manchester United themselves have suffered from indifferent form, they have enough quality to beat Benitez’s side.
Jose Mourinho vs Rafa Benitez fixtures used to have a lot of talking points a few years ago when they tussled in the Champions League, and the fans will expect the same this weekend too. The two sides are struggling, and there is pressure on the managers, so this is a game neither will want to lose.
Newcastle United Team News
The trio of Paul Dummett, Salomon Rondon and Federico Fernandez are slight doubts. Benitez will have to take a late call on their fitness before the fixture on Sunday. They are expected to be fit in time, though.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup
Defence
Martin Dubravka has been pretty inconsistent in goal this season and the custodian needs to become a bit more assertive, like last season. It was Kenedy who featured at left-back last time, and if Dummett isn’t fit, the Brazilian could once again take that position. However, there is a good chance the latter will be fit for the tie.
DeAndre Yedlin will keep his place on the right and his pace on the break will be vital against Mourinho’s side who could see more of the ball. Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark average at least one interception and a tackle per game and should start as the two centre-halves.
Midfield
Mo Diame averages four tackles a game and has been a critical figure in front of the defence. Against the likes of Lukaku and Pogba, he could be a key player, and we expect him to keep his place. Isaac Hayden hasn’t had too much game time this season having made one start and one appearance of the bench. He could offer the extra layer of cover to the defence and should start alongside Diame.
Ayoze Perez has been woeful in the number 10 role and needs to be dropped. Maybe it’s time to play Shelvey in that role as his passing is pretty good.
Attack
Matt Ritchie should start on the right. He has managed just one assist so far this season and needs to step up in the coming weeks. If Dummett makes it in time, Kenedy could feature on the left wing else we could see Atsu getting his second start of the season. Joselu could lead the line if Rondon doesn’t make it back in time.
Joselu
Kenedy – Shelvey – Ritchie
Hayden – Diame
Dummett – Clark – Lascelles – Yedlin
Dubravka
Stats via Whoscored