OPINION
Newcastle United take on Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday hoping to return to winning ways after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Wolves last weekend.
The Magpies did not look at their best on Sunday, which was summed up through DeAndre Yedlin getting sent off and Wolves scoring a stoppage time winner to pile misery on Rafa Benitez.
The Spaniard opted for a three-man defence with two wing-backs in the shapes of Yedlin and Matt Ritchie, and he must use the same tactic, this time without the USA international.
Benitez will be well advised to make three changes for this fixture, one of them being forced due to Yedlin’s suspension, with Jamie Sterry coming in for the mainstay, while Jonjo Shelvey comes in for Mo Diame and Yoshinori Muto replaces Ayoze Perez – switches that will be more than enough to secure victory over the Terriers.
Martin Dubravka has been fantastic this season so he will undoubtedly start in between the sticks on Saturday.
Benitez opted for three centre-backs and two wing-backs to start against Wolves and he should stick to this tactic, with the barely-seen Jamie Sterry coming in at right wing-back in place of Yedlin, while Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark should retain their spots as the centre-backs due to their defensive solidity. That leaves Matt Ritchie, who must start at left wing-back.
In the midfield, Ki Sing-Yueng must start due to his consistent form this season, but Mo Diame – who stands at six foot [Transfermarkt] – should be axed in favour of Jonjo Shelvey, whose passing is a lot better than that of Diame. This means that Christian Atsu will keep his place in the midfield for yet another game.
Muto is back to fitness and should be given the nod ahead of Ayoze Perez up front. The Spaniard has woeful lately, and the Japan international has the ability to provide an extra edge in the attack that was not previously there. As usual, Salomon Rondon must be kept up front due to his recent form.
If Benitez makes the right selections on Saturday, then he will have more than enough in his team to heap misery on Huddersfield.
