OPINION
Newcastle United fans will no doubt be looking towards the clash with Brighton this weekend in both trepidation and excitement.
They know that this fixture is a must-win for the Magpies, and they will be on tenterhooks for 90 minutes as they await their first potential win.
Against Manchester United, striker Yoshinori Muto made quite the impact with his goal – and if he is selected to play against the Seagulls, he must use the game as a platform for to make a case for being first choice striker.
Before his inclusion against the Red Devils, it was clear that United were looking rather tiresome in attack, especially when Joselu was leading the line.
The Japan international is like a breath of fresh air, and his new ideas, as well as his energy, are a welcome sight in the Newcastle starting XI.
This is why he must play his socks off if Rafa Benitez selects him to start against Brighton – as he has clearly demonstrated that he is capable of spearheading the attack.
Even though United did end up on the losing side at Old Trafford, Muto was one of the positives to take away – and Manchester United were lucky that he did not score more.
When he is on form, he could be the best player to have in the Newcastle team – and with him included in the starting line-up on a regular basis, the team have a great chance of climbing up the table.
Whether Salomon Rondon will be at his best upon his eventual return remains to be seen, and it is not like Benitez can rely on Joselu, a player who does not seem to know where the goal is.
The Spaniard was quoted by the Chronicle as saying: “Hopefully he can give us what we need which is a bit of pace and to be more dynamic in attack.”
Benitez is spot on here – and this gives him even more reason to start Muto against Brighton, who deserves to make a case for first-choice striker.
