OPINION
Newcastle United struggled in the attacking front against Fulham on Saturday, and Rafa Benitez no doubt recognises that a 0-0 draw with the Premier League strugglers is simply not good enough.
The Cottagers have conceded a staggering 42 goals in 17 league outings, yet the Magpies failed to pose any sort of threat in the final third, so Rafa Benitez must select a team who would be able to fare a lot better when they face Liverpool on Wednesday.
In order for Benitez to see his side at his best, he must make three changes to the team that drew with Fulham at the weekend.
In goal, Martin Dubravka must start as normal.
The Spanish manager must leave his back four relatively unchanged, but woeful right-back Javier Manquillo – who is on £35,000-a-week [Spotrac] – must be axed in order to make room for regular DeAndre Yedlin, who came on in the 84th minute on Saturday.
Jamaal Lascelles is the team’s captain and Fabian Schar has shown that he is assured on the ball, so Benitez must stick with this central defensive pairing for the Liverpool showdown, with Manquillo having to pay the price for Yedlin.
The second change Benitez will have to make for Wednesday is an forced one – with Ki Sung-Yueng unavailable due to representing South Korea in the Asian Cup, fan favourite Jonjo Shelvey must take his place alongside Mo Diame if he is fit and ready.
Christian Atsu must also keep his place in the starting XI, which means that Kenedy should be relegated to the bench once again for this encounter.
Matt Ritchie must be dropped in order to accommodate Yoshinori Muto – who has only started four league games since he arrived in the summer – with the 26-year-old capable of providing an energetic presence that could cause Liverpool a few problems.
Ayoze Perez should play just behind Salomon Rondon, who must be started up front in order to maximise Newcastle’s threat in the final third.
If Benitez selects a strong enough team on Wednesday, his starting XI should have enough to defy the odds at Anfield.
