Ahead of their clash with Brentford at Griffin Park in just under an hour, Rafa Benitez made a raft of changes to his Newcastle United side following their FA Cup draw away at Birmingham City.
Following the departure of three first-teamers to the African Cup of Nations, as well as both the suspension of Jonjo Shelvey and injury to Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Spaniard has his hands somewhat tied for the trip to west London.
In fact, he’s only been able to name six substitutes for the outing against the Bees, including the previously outcast Sammy Ameobi.
Ayoze Perez has also been recalled in the No.10 role as Mo Diame is away on international duty with Senegal and the Spaniard is desperately due a strong performance after a pretty awful season on the whole for him in the Championship.
Jack Colback also continues in midfield as Shelvey completes his five-game ban and is another to have seriously dipped in form.
Still, the Toon received somewhat of a boost as Brentford opted to name Scott Hogan on the bench following strong links with a move to West Ham, with the 24-year-old undoubtedly their most important player.
https://twitter.com/NewcastleGoals/status/820271881542631424
https://twitter.com/Jona_NUFC/status/820272306752815104
https://twitter.com/geesingh1/status/820271397129883648
Sorry but anita should first pick RB for #nufc and i dont think perez can play in the hole he needs to stepup . glad to sammy on the bench
— Andy Stott (@Moleps1892) January 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/BlackWhiteBarmy/status/820271397662588928
Hogan on the bench! #NUFC
— 🐧N🦇I🦅C🐥K🐦Y🦉 (@fORgEtMeAlWays_) January 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/Dazwhit/status/820269438134063104
Strong Lineup For #NUFC vs Brentford But Hogan On The Bench? Strange Decision #BEESNUFC
— #FordeHaveMercy (@FordeHaveMercy) January 14, 2017
Hogan on the bench against us today… #NUFC
— Richard (@Leo_Messi_10__) January 14, 2017
