Newcastle United: Rafa Benitez must make key lineup decisions

Will Rafa Benitez focus on winning to end the season or experimenting with the Newcastle United lineup?

After a long and rigorous nine months this campaign, Newcastle United find themselves in the top half of the table. There is currently a three-way competition for finishing in tenth place between Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Watford. However, how important is a tenth place finish to Rafa Benitez?

Only four matches remain on Newcastle’s schedule and the Magpies have secured their top-flight survival for next season. Knowing what we know about Benitez, his objective is to win as many matches as he can with the club.

With that being said, it is worth mentioning that Benitez also values the development of his young players. This passion for winning and developing players’ skills creates a dilemma for Benitez and the club.

Newcastle’s final four matches consist of playing West Brom and Chelsea at St. James’ Park and playing Watford and Tottenham on the road. Of these opponents, West Brom and Watford present the best opportunities for taking maximum points, but it depends on the lineup.

In this final stretch of the season, Benitez and his staff must decide whether they want try and win with regular starters or give younger players one last audition.

Top Ten Finish

Even if Newcastle finish the season below tenth, pundits and supporters will consider this campaign a remarkable achievement. However, finishing in the top ten will significantly benefit the Magpies during the summer transfer window.

Newcastle’s best recruitment method will be centered on “we are only a few players away from the top six.” Based on the club’s performances this season, that recruitment pitch would be a true statement. Modern-day footballers need to be convinced and this can be done through impressive financial offers or through evident potential.

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Newcastle have sufficient money to bring in top talent, but it is more likely that the Magpies will rely on their end-of-season form to lure in new players. The best way to achieve a top-half finish would be to play regular starters and claim at least one more victory and a draw.

Player Development

Points and final table placement are important, but so is making the right decision on a player’s future with the club. Benitez was known for shaking up the lineup from time to time this season, but he has finally settled on who his core players are.

With four matches remaining, Benitez is aware that certain players will look to leave due to a lack of playing time. Playing time is dependent on a player’s form and work ethic in training, but some youngsters deserve final opportunities.

These final opportunities can be best perceived as final auditions for Newcastle United. Several players, such as Mikel Merino, Jacob Murphy, Javier Manquillo and Isaac Hayden, have been left out since the start of the new year. Benitez might already have his mind made up or he might throw these players in the lineup to conclude the season.

Tactical Prediction

In short, Benitez’s primary objective is to win matches and trophies with Newcastle. The only way he can do that is if Mike Ashley sells the club. A top ten finish would serve as a major assurance for investors and this would improve the likelihood of a sale.

At the same time, Benitez needs depth on his roster in addition to a strong starting eleven. This depth can be found in some players who currently play for the club, but some of them need one or two final appearances to prove themselves. As a result, I personally think Benitez will keep his regular starters against Tottenham and Chelsea, but will play some youngsters against West Brom and Watford.