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Benitez must be brave with the axe – This Newcastle XI would smash through Brighton
COMMENT
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez must be brave when choosing who to axe for his side’s home clash against Brighton on Saturday.
The Magpies come into the match off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, with a much changed side putting up a spirited performance against the runaway league leaders.
Benitez had chosen to make five changes to his starting XI, having beaten West Ham 3-2 in the previous game, with many first team regulars rested against City in favour of being ready for the visit of the Seagulls.
However, after such a bright display, Benitez should reward the impressive performances with another place in the starting XI, forcing those dropped to fight for their place.
With that in mind, he should make just four changes to the starting XI, with Mohamed Diame, Jacob Murphy, Javier Manquillo and the injured Rob Elliot dropping out of the side in place of Christian Atsu, Matt Ritchie, Mikel Merino and Karl Darlow.
Darlow is the obvious choice to replace Elliot in his absence, despite some poor form this season, and Freddie Woodman still needs bedding into the first team squad before starting crucial Premier League matches.
At the back, Mbemba and Dummett shone after returning to the starting XI against City, and Benitez must resist the temptation to drop them straight back onto the substitutes’ bench.
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Reverting to four at the back means Manquillo should be axed in favour of Merino, who showed impressive composure to dictate play after coming on in the second half against City, with Atsu and Ritchie returning to their natural roles on the flanks.
Up front, Joselu screams for a partner when playing solo, but instead of Dwight Gayle, Benitez should be brave and stick with Rolando Aarons, star of the show against City, playing in a secondary striker role.
By adopting a change of formation and sticking with those in form, Benitez can pick a starting XI who would smash through Brighton on Saturday – if he is brave enough.
In other Newcastle United news, the club are expected to submit an official bid for a Premier League forward in January.