OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez would be smart to recall centre back Federico Fernandez for his team’s meeting with Burnley on Tuesday.
The Argentine was looking like one of the Magpies’ best players before he picked up an injury, and he’s been unable to get much game time since.
However, he must be given an opportunity against Sean Dyche’s side. Jamaal Lascelles has had a relatively poor campaign and should drop out for the 6ft 2in [Source: Transfermarkt] former Swansea City man.
That should be the only change that Benitez makes after Saturday’s win over Huddersfield Town, and should be enough to blow the Clarets away on Tuesday night.
Martin Dubravka returned to form with a flourish on Saturday as he kept a straightforward clean sheet against the Terriers – he must keep his place here.
DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie are both firmly entrenched as the team’s starting wing backs, with the latter, in particular, impressing since the switch in formation. Both men can expect to start at St James’ Park.
Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune have both been excellent since coming into the team and should play from the first whistle on Tuesday. As mentioned, though, it should be Fernandez rather than Lascelles who joins them in the centre of the defence.
There are no better central midfielders at Newcastle on current form than Sean Longstaff and Issac Hayden. The dynamic duo must get the nod once again.
Ayoze Perez found the back of the net against Huddersfield and should keep his place as a result, while Miguel Almiron showed what all the fuss was about on his full debut for the club. The Paraguayan must join Perez on the wings here.
Finally, there’s only one choice to lead the line for the Magpies. Salomon Rondon opened the scoring on Saturday in another terrific display. He must start on Tuesday.
