Newcastle United need to step out of their comfort zone and attack Crystal Palace for most of the match.
After suffering four defeats in their first five matches, all to standard members of the top six, Newcastle United need to give it their all against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Rafa Benitez is confident that his team can turn things around and the Spaniard keeps referring to how his side climbed the table last term.
While defensive solidity in the back will be crucial on the road against Crystal Palace, the key to winning this match will be offensive efficiency. As a result, the Magpies should not waste time testing the waters on Saturday to give Crystal Palace a chance to develop momentum. Instead, Newcastle must attack their opposition for the majority of the match.
Attack, Attack and Attack
Crystal Palace are a respectable mid-table opponent that should not be underestimated, however, they are not worthy of excessive respect. In other words, Newcastle should be cautious of their key players, especially Wilfried Zaha, but the Magpies should not hesitate to frequently move the ball forward.
Playing with an attacking mindset will create the risk of being exposed in the back, but it is a risk that Rafa Benitez should be willing to take. Benitez and his players know that this match presents a good opportunity for claiming three important points after a rough start, and three points are not earned by deploying defensive tactics.
Newcastle and Crystal Palace both boast plenty of pace on the wings, but Newcastle have more talent in the center and on the front-line. Benitez needs to utilize this advantage by starting Jonjo Shelvey, Salomon Rondon and Yoshinori Muto.
These three players would make Newcastle’s offense more dynamic by consolidating superior passing, pace and front-line strength. Crystal Palace do not have a strong defensive unit and they tend to leave gaps on their back-line. For this reason, Newcastle must go to Selhurst Park with an attacking mentality and focus on finishing opportunities with precision.
Thus far, Newcastle United are tied with Huddersfield Town for the fewest shot attempts in the Premier League with 40. Keeping in mind the defensive approach against elite teams in previous matches, this low tally is understandable, but will not be acceptable against mid-table opposition going forward.