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Newcastle best XI v Fulham

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OPINION

Newcastle United will be able to crush the struggling Fulham on Saturday if Rafa Benitez makes a few changes to the side that defeated Huddersfield Town 1-0 last weekend.

The Cottagers have conceded an appalling 42 goals in 17 league outings and the Magpies could make matters worse when they host the strugglers in their next game at St James Park.

In order for Benitez to see his side at his best, he is going to have to be cruel when it comes to his defence.

The Spanish manager must stick with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles but must make his first change by cruelly axing Ciaran Clark to make room for Paul Dummett.

It is rather cruel to banish Clark to the bench after he was excellent against the Terriers but having Dummett on the left-flank gives the Magpies a better balanced defence and someone has to make room for him.

Given that Lascelles is the Magpies’ captain and Fabian Schar is fabulous on the ball, Benitez has to stick with them in his team and make the 6ft 2in tall Clark (Source: Transfermarkt) pay the price for Dummett being available again after injury.

The second change Benitez needs to make comes in his midfield as while the ever-improving Christian Atsu, Mohamed Diame and Ki Sung-yueng keep their places, Kenedy drops out of the squad.

The left footer operated as a left-wing back against the Terriers, which didn’t go well for him, but he loses his place in the team due to be a serious doubt after picking up a foot injury (Source: Physio Room).

In place of Kenedy, Benitez should unleash Yoshinori Muto on his left-flank to see him make a rare start in the Premier League as the energetic presence could run riot against a defensively vulnerable Fulham.

The 26-year-old has started only four league games since arriving at St James Park in the summer but has shown signs that he may be a handful for opponents.

Adding Muto is the final change Benitez should make to the side that started against Huddersfield as Ayoze Perez should play just behind Salomon Rondon for the clash after both impressed against the Terriers.

Giving the attacking talent in this Magpies team and Fulham’s terrible defensive record, Benitez’s side will crush their opponents on Saturday if he goes with this selection.

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