Newcastle United are tasked with beating bottom of the table Rotherham today and, after watching Brighton and Hove Albion win last night, will have the pressure right on them this afternoon.
The Millers’ task may initially appear to be a daunting one as they travel up from Yorkshire to take on Rafa Benitez’s side, though it’s not as if the Magpies have always been enitrely dominant at home.
Which is why the complexion their bench today is cause for concern. Hit by an injury crisis of late, the Spaniard has had to field perhaps the weakest bench he’s had since he took over from Steve McClaren back in March. Injuries and three first-team members being away on African Cup of Nations have seen the likes of Sammy Ameobi, Jamie Sterry and Dan Barlaser brought into first-team proceedings.
In fact, only Achraf Lazaar is the only real recognised option who can come on and change the game, should the home side seem fresh legs. Still, the return of Jonjo Shelvey is clearly a major boost and has had fans on social media absolutely delighted.
In further news, Jack Colback (who has proved to be a huge source of frustration of late) has been left out of the squad entirely.
So, here’s how Newcastle fans on Twitter reacted to the team news.
Just realised Jack Colback isn't in the squad. Fantastic stuff #NUFC
— 🐧N🦇I🦅C🐥K🐦Y🦉 (@fORgEtMeAlWays_) January 21, 2017
Three fill back and a central defender on the subs bench. So thin in attacking replacements today #NUFC https://t.co/4PvLmKo5U8
— Russell Hughes (@Rusty_Hughes) January 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/HenryHcode/status/822811136458452992
https://twitter.com/RossLindsay22/status/822811590386995200
I know Gayle and Mitrovic are both out but today's team highlights the lack of striking options Benitez has. #NUFC
— Andrew Musgrove (@ADMusgrove) January 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/RossLindsay22/status/822810685339996160
Just realised Jack Colback isn't in the squad. Fantastic stuff #NUFC
— 🐧N🦇I🦅C🐥K🐦Y🦉 (@fORgEtMeAlWays_) January 21, 2017
