OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez would be wise to make a slight tactical switch for his team’s clash with Liverpool on Saturday.
The Spaniard will realise that he needs to pack the midfield at St James’ Park to limit the Reds’ offensive capabilities, meaning that he should change from a 3-4-3 to a more defensive-minded 3-5-2 formation.
He would need to make two changes to make that happen. The first wouldn’t really be a system switch, but would just be reinstalling captain Jamaal Lascelles for Federico Fernandez at centre back. The other would be Ki Sung-yueng replacing Christian Atsu.
Those should be the only two changes the former Liverpool boss makes on Saturday, and they could end up being enough for his team to upset Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing side.
In goal, Martin Dubravka remains the undisputed number one having enjoyed another excellent season between the sticks, he should keep his place here. Meanwhile, as mentioned, it absolutely must be Lascelles in for Fernandez at the heart of the defence.
Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett are the best candidates to join the skipper in a three man centre back unit, as usual, while Javier Manquillo and Matt Ritchie are the obvious candidates to start at the wing back positions.
In midfield, Ki needs to come in to beef things up a bit. Alongside him, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden should keep their places after last week’s draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
That leaves Benitez with a two man attack, with Salomon Rondon obviously taking up one of the spots. Partnering him, if he’s fit enough, should be Ayoze Perez.
