What should Newcastle United’s lineup be when everyone is healthy?
When all the injured players return, what should Rafa Benitez’s primary starting lineup be for Newcastle United?
Despite battling some injuries, Newcastle United have won two straight matches. They were without starters Jonjo Shelvey, Yoshinori Muto, and captain Jamaal Lascelles in the victory over Bournemouth. Their replacements played well, but Rafa Benitez will have the good challenge of choosing a lineup after the international break when everyone is healthy. Obviously, this is not including Florian Lejeune, who is out for the long-term with a major knee injury.
The back five players for Newcastle United are the easiest to select. In goal, there’s zero question it should be Martin Dubravka. The Slovakian goalkeeper is a star for the Magpies. Rafa’s best four-man backline is DeAndre Yedlin at right-back, Paul Dummett at left-back, and Federico Fernandez and Lascelles manning the central positions. Fernandez has been a massive positive for the club this season and Fabian Schar filled in well for Lascelles against the Cherries. He and Ciaran Clark provide quality behind Lascelles and Fernandez.
In the midfield, Jonjo Shelvey is considered the most talented option for Newcastle United. When healthy, he is a virtual lock to start. Mohamed Diame typically fills the position next to him, but many experts and fans would say that spot should belong to Ki. A pairing of Shelvey and Ki would be elite in possession and distribution. Isaac Hayden is available for a spot start or depth.
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On the wing, Kenedy is the starter on the left wing. After a slow start to the season, he’s been in good form on loan from Chelsea. Opposite him, Matt Ritchie is the first-choice guy, despite my poorly received opinion that Christian Atsu should get an opportunity to start. Jacob Murphy is also available, but he hasn’t been a factor this season.
Ayoze Perez typically starts below the striker, but I think Yoshinori Muto is the better choice there. Either player brings quality and the other can be an elite substitute. Salomon Rondon will be the striker anytime he is healthy. We all saw the potential of the West Brom loanee with his brace last time out. Joselu has not been a factor lately, but he can fill in if needed up top and Muto has featured there this season as well.
For me, the best XI going forward will be Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Dummett, Ki, Shelvey, Kenedy, Muto, Ritchie, and Rondon.