Rafa Benitez has nearly a full Newcastle United squad to choose from in tomorrow’s match vs. the Terriers.
Tomorrow, Newcastle United will play host to Huddersfield Town in a key match for the Magpies’ Premier League safety. For the first time in what seems like forever, Rafa Benitez will have very few players unavailable due to injury. As we await the crucial fixture tomorrow, here is our projected starting XI for Newcastle United.
Formation
3-5-1-1
As he did in the reverse fixture vs. Huddersfield Town, I expect Rafa to utilize a 3-5-1-1 formation tomorrow. After using a 4-2-3-1 almost exclusively during most of last season and early this year, the manager has been more comfortable with three central defenders and two wing backs for a lot of matches this season.
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka
No, Rafa is not going to bench the Magpies’ star keeper after a few mistakes in recent weeks, including at the death vs. Wolves. Dubravka should be extra motivated to put on a performance for the home supporters.
Defense
Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Fabian Schar
This is such a strong trio for Newcastle United. While Federico Fernandez is no slouch, this lineup gives you: Your captain/leader in Lascelles, your best passing center back in Lejeune, and your breakout summer signing and recent star in Schar. I would expect a quality performance from this unit against a less than potent Huddersfield attack.
Midfield
Wingbacks: DeAndre Yedlin, Antonio Barreca
Midfield: Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie
DeAndre Yedlin is a lock for the team sheet nearly every time out, especially in the wing back role where his pace going forward is vital. Opposite him, I think Rafa will elect to use his “other” new addition, Antonio Barreca. The Italian left back has pace and quality in the attacking half. Matt Ritchie has often found himself playing out of position at the left wingback, but I expect him to be played in the midfield tomorrow.
Along with Ritchie in the midfield, I think Rafa will find it hard to bench the fast-rising Sean Longstaff. Now that he’s fully fit, Jonjo Shelvey should have a spot in the starting central midfield, as well. But, Rafa can’t go wrong with any combination of Isaac Hayden, Ki, Mo Diame, Longstaff, or Shelvey.
Attack
Striker: Salomon Rondon
Attacking midfielder: Miguel Almiron
Ladies and gentlemen, I think we will finally see the combination we’ve been waiting for in a Premier League match. Rafa should be deploying the attacking tandem of Salomon Rondon and record signing Miguel Almiron. As most of you are, I am excited to see this in action!