Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Huddersfield Town in the Premier League
Newcastle United looked set for a point at home against Wolves in their last game but Matt Doherty’s late winner sealed the game for the visitors.
Rafael Benitez’s men have managed to turn their fortunes around after a calamitous start to the season and the Magpies sit 15th in the standings, three points clear of the relegation zone after claiming 11 points from their last seven games.
Newcastle have a golden chance of moving up the table when they make the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium to face Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Team News
DeAndre Yedlin picked up a red card in the last game and he will serve a three-game suspension while Fabian Schar will be back in contention after serving a one-game suspension for having picked up five yellow cards.
Isaac Hayden is struggling with a knock and is unlikely to play a part this weekend while Federico Fernandez is doubtful to make it to the weekend clash due to a calf strain. Florian Lejeune featured for the U23 team this week but he is unlikely to be forced into action following his long-term injury while Jonjo Shelvey is also a doubt with a thigh injury.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Predicted XI
1. Martin Dubravka (GK)
He has been a reliable presence between the sticks and should retain his position for this one.
2. Javier Manquillo (RB)
The former Liverpool man is Benitez’s best option at right-back in the absence of Yedlin.
3. Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
His error of judgement led to Wolves’ opener in the last game but he has otherwise been really solid at the back this season.
4. Ciaran Clark (CB)
The Irishman put in a decent shift a the back against Wolves and he should get another start this weekend.
5. Paul Dummett (LB)
The hugely experienced Welshman deserves a start on the left-hand side of the backline as Newcastle will need to make a switch in their formation to cover for Yedlin’s absence.
6. Sung-yueng Ki (CDM)
The Korean has looked good with his passing and distribution in recent weeks and should continue in his central midfield role.
7. Mo Diame (CDM)
He has had a decent time in the middle of the park in the last few games and Benitez should continue to field him in Shelvey’s absence.
8. Matt Ritchie (LM)
He has always been a lively presence down the flanks and Newcastle will rely upon the quality of his deliveries into the box on Saturday.
9. Robert Kenedy (RM)
The Chelsea loanee has looked dangerous at times with his pace and crossing from the flanks and Newcastle will be hoping that he can deliver the goods once again.
Read More:- A glimmer of hope? Why Benitez and Newcastle can dare to dream about avoiding relegation this season
10. Ayoze Perez (CAM)
The Spaniard will be high on confidence after finding the net in the last game.
11. Salomon Rondon (ST)
He shook the crossbar with his free-kick against Wolves and assisted Perez for the equaliser. He will need to fire on all cylinders once again if Newcastle are to claim all three points.
