Newcastle United’s start to the Premier League season has been ok, rather than sensational, and the pressure is rising following a defeat to Brighton that leaves the Magpies with nine points from their opening six games.
Whilst that’s hardly a negative, Newcastle will feel they could, and should, have got more from their games against Huddersfield and Brighton, whilst there’s a danger of another defeat this weekend as Rafael Benitez’ side welcome Liverpool to St. James’ Park.
Liverpool’s defence has been leaky this season but their attacking play has been remarkable, which should make for an interesting game this weekend. With the match shaping up like it is, the battle in the centre of midfield will be crucial and Newcastle should look to restore one man to their side.
Jonjo Shelvey, formerly of Liverpool of course, has started just one match this season, earning a red card on the opening weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, and has since accumulated just 43 minutes of action since- including 22 in the weekend’s defeat to Brighton.
In his absence Benitez has opted for Ayoze Perez, a player who’s started all six of Newcastle’s games in the Premier League this season, but the return from the Spaniard has been far from impressive- securing just one assist and averaging a match rating of 6.67 from WhoScored.
Shelvey should therefore come into the side to replace Perez this weekend, particularly as the Spaniard struggles to retain possession in the middle of the park- and that could see Newcastle shredded apart by Liverpool’s strong attacking line.
The England international is also better in possession, being deadly with a long range shot and having the eye for a killer pass, and this could be decisive in the match against Liverpool- where the Magpies will see a point as a superb achievement, as they should.
In truth, Shelvey is more suited to the current Newcastle set-up than Perez ever will be and he’s more of a controlling presence in the heart of the field, whereas Perez is more of an attacking outlet and could be better utilised in a more advanced role.
Shelvey has fallen from grace a bit this season but he was a key-part of the Championship winning side last season, playing 48 games across all competitions, and it’s time for Benitez to put his faith in the former Liverpool man this weekend- as he could reap the rewards.
