Newcastle United need improvements if they’re to bring an end to three consecutive Premier League defeats, which has seen the Magpies plummet down the standings.
Now sat just five points above the relegation zone, Rafael Benitez’s side need a major upturn in form to improve their situation and the next six weeks will be crucial- with the Magpies tackling Watford, West Brom, Chelsea, Leicester City, Everton, Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester City and Brighton before the New Year.
Benitez faces an array of different sides during that period but will look towards the games against the likes of West Brom, Leicester, Everton and West Ham as crucial opportunities for his side to improve their form and climb up the standings.
Newcastle’s downturn in form has gone hand-in-hand with the injury absence of influential midfielder Mikel Merino, who’s missed the last three games through injury, but The Shields Gazette reveals a positive update.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash, Benitez said:
“Merino’s been doing part of the training session, and Dummett has done the full training session, so that’s positive news for us.”
Whilst this weekend’s clash with high-flying Watford comes too soon for the Spaniard, 21-year-old Merino is edging closer to a return and the same is the case for defender Paul Dummett, who’s only minutes so far came on the opening day of the season.
