OPINION
Newcastle United will be gunning for their fourth win on the bounce when they take on West Ham this weekend after a hard fought result over Burnley on Monday.
The Magpies will have been boosted by the fact that Jamaal Lascelles has returned to training and midfielder dazzler Jonjo Shelvey is in contention after he was named on the bench earlier in the week.
Benitez’ side could go seven points clear of the drop if they manage to overcome the Hammers at St James’ Park, with the manager expected to revert back to his usual back four after deploying five defenders in the 2-1 win against the Clarets – including a return for Jonjo Shelvey.
This would see Ciaran Clark shifted along to left-back with Paul Dummett still sidelined with injury, with Jamaal Lascelles coming in for Fabian Schar, while Federico Fernandez and DeAndre Yedlin would keep their usual places in the starting XI.
Shelvey’s likely return could see surprise package Ki Sung-Yueng – who is 6ft 1in [Transfermarkt] – dropped to the bench despite his good form recently, with Mo Diame expected to keep his place after some impressive displays for the side.
Kenedy is expected to return to his preferred position on the left, while Matt Ritchie will likely be deployed on the right after deputising as a wing-back against Burnley.
Yoshinori Muto is close to returning but he is unlikely to be risked in this match, which means that Ayoze Perez – despite his mixed displays – will keep his place playing just behind Salomon Rondon in the attack.
