OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has a number of ways he can go with his team selection against Watford in the FA Cup on Saturday.
He could play a full strength team in order to keep the momentum going after victory over Cardiff City last time out, or, as is more likely, he could make a raft of changes in order to concentrate on ensuring Premier League survival.
One player who should start no matter what route Benitez takes, though, is young winger Cal Roberts. The rarely seen 21-year-old was excellent against Blackburn Rovers in the last round of the competition and deserves another chance to show what he can do.
Roberts doubled the Magpies’ lead against Rovers after his fellow academy product Sean Longstaff had put the team ahead, as the two youngsters lead the side to victory.
The winger surely did enough in that game to earn another opportunity. His run and finish for his goal was truly sublime, and that kind of cutting edge is what Benitez has been missing on the wing this season.
Although not everything he tried worked, Roberts was always positive. He was looking to make things happen and wasn’t afraid to have a go.
That sort of attitude is what Newcastle will need against Watford. The Premier League table tells us that the Hornets are a better team than Benitez’s side right now, meaning that the Magpies will need to show real desire and an iron will to come out on top at St James’ Park.
The fact that the game is being played on Tyneside is another reason to get Roberts involved. With his home crowd backing him he will undoubtedly raise his game.
Due to the poor form of the likes of Kenedy and Jacob Murphy there really is no reason not to start Roberts on Saturday. Watford will be a tough test, but he deserves a chance to prove he’s up to the challenge.
