Three players who must perform for Newcastle United vs. Huddersfield Town
By Durim Halimi
There are three players who must play at an elite level for Newcastle United to earn three points against Huddersfield Town.
After three long weeks of Premier League inactivity, Newcastle United will finally be back in action this Saturday. The Magpies will host Huddersfield Town at St. James’ Park for what will be one of the most important matches of the season.
A victory at home against a vulnerable relegation rival would push Newcastle significantly closer to top-flight survival. In addition, the Magpies would carry some much needed momentum with them as they prepare for more difficult opponents in April and May.
Huddersfield Town have been struggling lately, but they still deserve maximum effort from Newcastle’s starting eleven. While collective effort plays a big role in Newcastle’s success, there are three key players who must properly execute their tasks if the Magpies want three points.
Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian international goalkeeper will play an integral role for Newcastle United as they aim to avoid relegation. In a recent interview, Martin Dubravka expressed his respect for the club and claimed that he will do his part to contribute to the club’s survival.
That contribution will begin on Saturday against Huddersfield Town as the Magpies need Dubravka to be an impenetrable wall between the posts. The better the back-line plays against the Terriers, the more comfortable Dubravka will be. However, the athletic goalkeeper must be prepared to make some big saves in a competitive match.
Jonjo Shelvey
Known for his superior passing, a strong performance from Jonjo Shelvey on Saturday will be a necessity for three points. Thanks to Mohamed Diame’s assistance in midfield, Shelvey has enjoyed more freedom to focus on contributing to the Magpies’ offensive efficiency.
Against a side of equal or less quality, Shelvey must showcase his ability to serve as the playmaker and influence the game in midfield. Shelvey’s passing accuracy will certainly present Huddersfield Town with a major defensive challenge.
As long as Shelvey can maintain extra possession through horizontal passing and create a threatening opportunity down the middle, Newcastle should earn two consecutive victories this month.
Dwight Gayle
All eyes will be on Dwight Gayle on Saturday as the Magpies are desperate for more goals from the front-line. With only five goals in 27 appearances this season, the pressure is on Gayle to perform with frequent shooting and precision.
Gayle displayed pure striking quality against Bournemouth by scoring twice, and he will have a great opportunity to score against Huddersfield’s poor defense. The Magpies do have scoring capabilities in midfield, but a goal or two from Gayle would make the difference in this match.
Everyone on Tyneside knows that the 27-year-old has the skills to score five or six more goals this season, but he just needs to re-gain his confidence. Going up against a side with the second-worst goal differential in the Premier League, Gayle must find a way to put his club ahead.
Islam Slimani…maybe
Islam Slimani has only made one appearance for Newcastle United this season and it was in a press conference. On paper, the Magpies received a major boost with the Algerian striker’s arrival, however, he has not played a single minute due to injury.
If Slimani is cleared to play against Huddersfield, he must be prepared to live up to the high expectations of Rafa Benitez and Newcastle supporters. With eight matches remaining in the season, Slimani will be expected to score between five and seven goals.
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There will not be a better opportunity to start that goalscoring trend than on Saturday against 15th-place Huddersfield Town at St. James’ Park.