Russell Edge

Fri 29 December 2017 20:01, UK

COMMENT

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is expected to chop and change his starting XI once again for the visit of Brighton on Saturday.

The Spanish boss had made five changes to the line up for their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, which saw several first team regulars drop to the bench despite having secured their first win in 10 games against West Ham in their last outing.

However the Newcastle squad is set for yet more rotation when the Seagulls travel to St James’ Park, as he contends with fitness and injuries in making his decisions.

As such, fans can expect to see six changes to the starting XI on Saturday, including the axing of Jamaican winger Rolando Aarons, who starred against City despite defeat.

Aarons, Mohamed Diame, Jacob Murphy, Paul Dummett, Chancel Mbemba and Rob Elliot can all expect to be dropped from the line up, with Christian Atsu, Ayoze Perez, Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark and Karl Darlow taking their places.

Elliot has already been ruled out of the clash due to a thigh injury, and despite Darlow’s errors earlier in the season, Benitez will likely choose the former Nottingham Forest stopper over hot prospect Freddie Woodman.

At the back the boss should revert to a back four after starting five in defence against City, and although Dummett made his return from injury in the clash, the quick turnaround in games means his fitness will not be up to standard for this game.

Ciaran Clark, rested against City, will likely come back into the side, while Hayden can be expected to return from injury to offer a defensive mindset against Jonjo Shelvey in midfield.

Up front Joselu will likely keep his place, Dwight Gayle catching the eye against City for all the wrong reasons, while being supported by the returning Ritchie, Perez and Atsu, all of whom were on the bench for Wednesday’s clash.

In other Newcastle United news, fans have been raging over Elliot’s blow suffered ahead of the clash against Brighton.