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Newcastle United: 5 players who must start against Crystal Palace

By Durim Halimi

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Salomon Rondon of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are desperate for a positive result this weekend and there are five key players that Rafa Benitez should start.

Newcastle United got through their most difficult stretch of the season after facing four elite teams in a short time period, but the Magpies only have one point from five matches. Rafa Benitez claimed that this poor run of form was expected after analyzing the difficulty of the schedule early on, but the Spaniard will have his work cut out for him this week in training.

Newcastle are set to travel to London this weekend to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Compared to their previous fixtures this season, this match can be perceived as a relief for the Magpies. However, Crystal Palace have some quality players and they should not be undermined. In order for Newcastle to have a chance at winning, Benitez must start these five players.

Jonjo Shelvey

Jonjo Shelvey was cleared to play against Arsenal after recovering from his injury, but Benitez decided to keep him on the bench. Now that Shelvey is healthy and well-rested, there is no excuse for Benitez not to start his most talented midfielder. Shelvey would provide Newcastle with good aggression in the middle and great ball movement to spread the field when attacking.

Salomon Rondon

It was quite the surprise to see Salomon Rondon on the bench last weekend, especially after he scored two goals for Venezuela during the international break. Benitez cannot make that mistake this weekend as Rondon could easily utilize his strength in the box to create multiple scoring opportunities against a mediocre back-line.

Federico Fernandez

Federico Fernandez has been exceeding expectations thus far this season and he deserves to be rewarded with more minutes as a starter. Fernandez has been reliable in the back making smart and timely tackles against top strikers. Defensive solidity will be crucial against Crystal Palace and he provides that stability in the back.

Yoshinori Muto

For being the club’s most expensive signing of the summer, Yoshinori Muto has not lived up to the value of his £9 million transfer fee. However, his primary competitor for playing time – Ayoze Perez – has not done anything worthy of praise this season, either. It would be good to see Muto play alongside or behind Rondon. The consolidation of Muto’s pace and athleticism with Rondon’s aggression would greatly benefit Newcastle on Saturday.

Matt Ritchie

Of all the wingers on the roster, Matt Ritchie is the only one who seems to have solidified his spot in the lineup. Ritchie has worked harder than any other player in the lineup when selected by Benitez and Newcastle need this type of work ethic going forward.

Ritchie has had a positive impact on the field by taking over as the vocal leader in midfield during Shelvey’s absence.  Furthermore, his quick, curling crosses would surely enable bodies in the penalty area to get some headers on target against Crystal Palace.