Newcastle fans call on Benitez to start 24-year-old against Bristol City
By Will Butcher
Newcastle fans are keen on Twitter to see Christian Atsu given just his seventh league start of the season against Bristol City on Saturday.
Atsu, 24, has had to play second fiddle for the majority of the season behind Rafa Benitez’s first-choice wingers Matt Ritchie and Yoann Gouffran.
Making just eight starts all season, the Chelsea loanee has fallen victim under the former Liverpool manager’s rotation policy at St. James’ Park, as they remain at the top of the Championship.
Bristol City are currently way down the league rankings in 21st place, which could tempt Benitez into giving a number of his fringe stars a chance against Lee Johnson’s side.
Newcastle fans have called on Benitez to start Ghana international Atsu on Saturday, with the knowledge that Ritchie is on nine yellow cards and will receive a two-match ban after his tenth.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Former Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga loanee Atsu has made a total of 22 league and cup appearances since moving to Tyneside on a season-long loan in the summer.
Scoring three goals against Rotherham, Cardiff and Wigan, Newcastle’s number 20 has helped his side win 16 of the games he has featured in.
In other Newcastle news, Benitez has delivered a long-term verdict on this striker.
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