Stick with a winning team for Huddersfield?
After altering his team selection and formation for the defeat at Liverpool, Benitez returned to the starting XI that triumphed over Manchester United and drew at Bournemouth a fortnight later for the visit of Southampton. Momentum is a crucial factor in a relegation battle and, despite throwing away a two-goal lead to The Cherries, Benitez’s decision to put his faith in that lineup ultimately bore fruit.
The returning Jonjo Shelvey played a central role in the dismantling of Southampton, creating two goals including one for Matt Ritchie who capped his return on the right-wing with a well-deserved goal. Ayoze Perez produced one his best displays in a black and white shirt back in the no.10 role.
We are all familiar with Benitez’s policy on regular rotation, but this XI is securing points for Newcastle at a critical stage of the season and the players all seem to be operating on the same wavelength, generating an understanding and on-field togetherness that contrasted the glaring disconnections present amongst a complacent Saints squad.
Long story short; Benitez has to start with the same XI against Huddersfield.
