OPINION
Newcastle United were subjected to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool on Boxing Day, and Rafa Benitez no doubt recognises that he needs to get his team back to winning ways against Watford on Saturday.
He will be hoping of a repeat from the first fixture between the two sides earlier this season, a result which saw the Magpies win 1-0 in their first victory of the campaign.
The manager needs to select a team who will be able to cope with the Hornets’ threat this weekend and avoid a repeat of their recent thumping.
In order to do this, Benitez must make two changes to the side that lost at Anfield in order to improve the starting XI up front and defensively.
In goal, Martin Dubravka must start as normal.
The Spaniard must also leave his back four relatively unchanged, however, mainstay Jamaal Lascelles – who has made 15 appearances this season – must be axed by Benitez due to his woeful performance against the Reds on Wednesday.
In his place should come Fabian Schar, who has proved time and time again this season that he is reliable as well as being excellent in possession.
Mo Diame coped rather well against Liverpool despite being slated in the past by fans, and he must retain his place in the midfield alongside Kenedy, who needs to stay in the team due to Jonjo Shelvey still being sidelined.
Isaac Hayden also played to a relatively good standard against the Reds, so he must be kept in the starting XI along with Matt Ritchie.
However the second and final change must be made in attack after Joselu’s horror show at Anfield, with ace Salomon Rondon – who is 6ft 1in [Transfermarkt] – returning to spearhead the attack and hopefully get Newcastle scoring.
If Benitez chooses a strong enough team on Saturday for Newcastle’s last game of 2018, his starting XI should have enough to stun Watford.
