Newcastle United have made a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign and are yet to register their first win of the season. With only a solitary point from five matches, Rafael Benitez’s side currently are languishing at the bottom of the league table.
To be fair, they have been up against some strong opposition but Newcastle have visibly lacked intent and the inspiration to compete in the Premier League. They have looked rather submissive in their approach and the lack of funds hasn’t done their cause any good either.
Newcastle must get back to winning ways if they are to have any chances of surviving in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see how Rafael Benitez inspires a rattled unit ahead of the weekend’s clash against Crystal Palace.
Jamaal Lascelles will be unavailable due to a knee injury and Florian Lejeune is yet to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Martin Dubravka (GK)
The Slovakian international has made some good saves in the Premier League and Benitez must continue with him this weekend.
DeAndre Yedlin (RB)
He scored against Manchester City and had a good game against Arsenal. He is Newcastle’s first-choice right-back and Benitez must definitely not bench him.
Federico Fernandez (CB)
The new signing has been solid at the back for Newcastle and has displayed good levels of composure. Should start against Palace.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
The Irishman came on as a half-time substitute against Arsenal and scored a consolation goal just before the end of the game. Must replace Lascelles in the line-up.
Paul Dummett (LB)
The left-back has been in good form in the ongoing season and has put up some solid displays at the back. He has looked comfortable on the ball and his passing has been impressive. Benitez should hand him another start.
Jacob Murphy (LM)
He had a good game against Arsenal and was the only player who tried to use his pace to create opportunities in the final third. Should start ahead of Kenedy, who had a poor game last weekend after coming on as a substitute.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
The former Liverpool man is back to full fitness and should replace Mohamed Diame in the starting line-up against Palace.
Isaac Hayden (CM)
The former Arsenal man wasn’t influential in the last game but Benitez does not have too many choices to replace him.
Matt Ritchie (RM)
He has been one of the standout performers for the Magpies and should start against Palace.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
The Spaniard hasn’t hit the ground running this season and has found it difficult to get involved in the game due to Benitez’s ultra-defensive tactics. However, he is probably the most creative player Newcastle have and Benitez cannot afford to bench him.
Joselu (ST)
The centre-forward has scored two goals so far and Newcastle should hope for him to come good this weekend.
