Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Nottingham Forest: Who starts for the Magpies?

Newcastle United have predictably started the season in slow fashion, losing narrowly to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, and grinding out a point against Cardiff City. Coming up next is a League Cup tie and Rafa Benitez must rotate his squad ahead of facing Nottingham Forest with an eye for the weekend game against champions Manchester City.

However, the problem is that the Spaniard doesn’t have a wide squad to make wholesome changes. In spite of that, some of the first-choice players will probably be rested against Forest.

Team News

Florian Lejeune is a long-term absentee while Jonjo Shelvey will be out for two weeks due to a thigh injury. Captain Jamaal Lascelles is expected to be back in the fray for this game.

Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Nottingham Forest

Manager: Rafa Benitez

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Karl Darlow (GK)

Although Martin Dubravka is Newcastle’s No.1, he should be rested for this game. Hence, Darlow must grasp this opportunity to impress. 

DeAndre Yedlin (RB)

With Javier Manquillo highly doubtful for this game, Yedlin has to continue operating at right-back.

Federico Fernandez (CB)

Made his debut over the weekend and he should continue in the same role as Lascelles’ situation is still unclear.

Fabian Schar (CB)

Ciaran Clark has played all games at centre-back and he should be rested for this fixture. Swiss international Schar must partner Fernandez.

Paul Dummett (LB)

Newcastle are short of options at left-back, so Dummet should continue playing here.

Kenedy (LW)

The Brazilian couldn’t take part in the game against Chelsea. Expect him to start ahead of Jacob Murphy in this one.

Mohamed Diame (CM)

With Shelvey out, Diame must play in the midfield. 

Ki Sung-yueng (CM)

Made his debut against Chelsea and should be fresh enough to start this game as well.

Christian Atsu (RW)

Matt Ritchie deserves a game off after all the hard work he has put in so far, making Atsu an ideal replacement.

Ayoze Perez (CAM)

Was benched against Chelsea but should be back in the starting XI against Nottingham Forest. 

Read More: Forget it Rafa: Completing this transfer deal with Middlesbrough could be disastrous for Newcastle

Yoshinori Muto (ST)

The Japanese international must receive his first start for the Magpies on Wednesday. He needs to show he is worth the wait.