Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Cardiff City: Who will start for the Magpies?
Newcastle United will travel to face Cardiff City this weekend. The Magpies succumbed to a 1-2 loss against Tottenham in their season-opener but they must aim to bounce back and win all of 3 points against the newly-promoted outfit.
The visitors lost to Bournemouth last time out and this game will be a great opportunity for both teams to put up some points on the board.
Team News
Benitez does not have any new injury concerns at the moment. However, since new signings Ki Sung-yueng, Fabian Schar, Salomon Rondon and Yoshinori Muto all started on the bench against Tottenham, they could receive a start in this game.
Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Cardiff City
Manager: Rafa Benitez
Formation: 4-4-2
Martin Dubravka (GK)
Dubravka was one of Newcastle’s better players in the latter half of the previous campaign and his presence between the sticks will be crucial against Cardiff.
Paul Dummett (LB)
Dummett started as the left-back in the previous game and he should find himself in the starting XI once again.
Ciaran Clarke (CB)
Clarke filled in for the injured Florian Lejeune last weekend and he put in a decent shift, which should see him start in the same spot.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
Lascelles runs the show at the back for Newcastle and he must ensure to prevent any sneaky Cardiff attacks.
Andre Yedlin (RB)
Yedlin should be deployed at right-back as usual.
Kenedy (LM)
Kenedy is a pacy runner and his creativity will surely play a key role for Newcastle against Cardiff. He might even get on the scoresheet this weekend.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
Shelvey is one of Newcastle’s most trusted and experienced warriors in the middle of the park. His power will prove to be crucial at dominating the midfield area.
Mo Diame (CM)
Diame should find himself alongside Shelvey in central midfield.
Matt Ritchie (RM)
With Kenedy firing on all cylinders on the left-side, Ritchie must keep up. He is a powerful attacker and his direct runs could prove to be a handful for the home side.
Ayoze Perez (CF)
Perez was a resourceful player for Newcastle against Tottenham and he must relish the opportunity of going up against Neil Warnock’s men.
Read More: Why this £9m French starlet could be an ideal addition for Rafa’s Newcastle
Salomon Rondon (CF)
Although Joselu scored the solitary goal for the club against Spurs, Rondon must lead the line. His burly frame and physique should help him stand tall against a physical Cardiff defence.
