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Return of forward is crucial to Newcastle United this weekend

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Newcastle United’s Premier League record stands at three wins and three defeats from the opening six games and a stern test awaits this weekend, as the Magpies host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at St. James’ Park.

Rafael Benitez may feel that he’s able to get one over his former employers in the North East this weekend as Liverpool have also looked shaky this season, conceding five goals against Manchester City, drawing 1-1 with Burnley and being held 3-3 by Watford on the opening day.

That gives Newcastle the chance to leapfrog this weekend’s opponents with a victory, putting the Magpies on 12 points ahead of Liverpool’s 11, and the return of striker Aleksander Mitrovic will be key to Benitez’ plans.

The Serbian striker has been unavailable for the past three games following an elbow on Marko Arnautovic during the victory over West Ham last month, which has seen Spanish striker Joselu, a £5m summer signing, feature in his place- but he has not scored during Mitrovic’s absence.

Rafael Benitez has already welcomed the return of his Eastern European forward and now faces a selection dilemma ahead of the clash against Liverpool this weekend, as he must choose between Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Mitrovic.

Both Mitrovic and Joselu have not scored since the 3-0 victory over West Ham, whilst Gayle is yet to open his account for the season, and Benitez stated his belief that having three talented forwards vying for places should help push his trio forward.

Quoted by The Shields Gazette, the Spanish manager said:

“The competition will increase now, and I think that will be good for the team. “We want to have all the players available and competing, and then they have to realise that that is the way to have a stronger squad. Push, push and make sure they are ready to play.”

Given Liverpool’s defensive frailties, and the potential hangover of European involvement this week, Dwight Gayle could be an ideal attacking outlet for the Magpies due to his abundance of pace but partnering that with the physical presence of Mitrovic could also cause a wealth of problems.

Whilst the game is likely to be decided defensively, where Newcastle will need to be at their best to keep out the likes of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, the Magpies’ attacking players could be equally as decisive in this encounter.

By snatching the lead, the home fans can push their side to glory and secure another feather in their cap for the season- following impressive wins against West Ham, Swansea and Stoke City already this season.

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