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Various options present at left-back for Newcastle United

By Roy Emanuel

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Javier Manquillo of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United at John Smith's Stadium on August 20, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Javier Manquillo of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United at John Smith's Stadium on August 20, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /
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Defensive changes set to be seen this weekend.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez travel to South Wales tomorrow to face Swansea City, aiming to earn their second consecutive Premier League victory. While the Magpies will be pleased to see the likes of Florian Lejeune and DeAndre Yedlin return to the line-up, yet another change will be needed at left-back.

With both Paul Dummett and Chancel Mbemba out due to injury, Benitez will have to tinker with his squad selection at the position. What makes this particular case unique is the amount of different directions the Spanish tactician could go against the Swans.

What the decision will ultimately come down to is who can make the greatest impact in the match.

We examine the options at left-back for Newcastle tomorrow at the Liberty Stadium.

Ciaran Clark

Perhaps the best player to fill the spot, Ciaran Clark has performed well in central defence throughout this young season.

With Lejeune returning to his centre-back position, Benitez would be able to move the Irish international to left-back quite easily.

Clark is feeling confident, and this would allow him to continue his good run of form.

Javier Manquillo

DeAndre Yedlin is expected to make his season debut at right-back after a pre-season knock, opening the possibility of Javier Manquillo sliding over to the left.

The youngster has displayed good positioning and excellent passing thus far.

Similar to that of Clark, Benitez may want to continue utilising players who have been in the team recently with the use of Manquillo on Sunday.

Jesus Gamez

Only called upon sparingly during his time on Tyneside, Jesus Gamez could play a role at Swansea.

The 32-year-old was a part of pre-season preparations, can play in either full-back position and scored a goal in a friendly against Mainz 05.

An experienced presence on the back-line in a key away fixture could be a major positive for Newcastle United with Gamez.

Massadio Haidara

Once thought to be on his way out of St. James’ Park over the summer, Massadio Haidara may see his first minutes of the 2017-18 campaign at the Swans.

The 24-year-old has made minimal impact recently, but may have a chance to prove his worth to Benitez.

Although unlikely, Haidara’s opportunity could come on Sunday.

Jack Colback

There are extremely long odds on our final option, but Jack Colback’s season debut may take place at Swansea.

The midfielder can certainly play at left-back, but his status in the team is toxic at best.

After a training ground spat with Rafa Benitez a few weeks ago, the fact that he is still at Newcastle is quite surprising already.

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Newcastle United earning a result at Swansea is the objective, and a solid performance at left-back may be crucial to that task.