Newcastle fans have reacted with bewilderment – and delight – on Twitter after striker Joslue was left out of the Newcastle squad ahead of the crucial Premier League game away at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Dwight Gayle starts up front for Newcastle but there isn’t even a place on the bench for Joselu and while fans are concerned that leaves them with no back-up option if things go wrong today, others are happy with the decision.
The line-up was announced on the official Newcastle Twitter page.
TEAM NEWS: Here's how Newcastle United will line up at @CPFC in the @premierleague today (kick-off 2:15pm GMT). #NUFC pic.twitter.com/iYBto376ko
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 4, 2018
Rafa Benitez signed striker Islam Slimani on loan on deadline day but he’s not fit to play today.
And, after scoring just four goals in 22 games, Joselu hasn’t delivered for Newcastle this season – but fans are still unsure why he’s not even made the bench.
Here is a selection of the best reactions to the Newcastle line-up ahead of the 2.15pm kick-off in London.
https://twitter.com/iangregory70/status/960140015341916161
Nice to see joselu not in squad
— tony Elvin (@schindlerelvin1) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/GloriousGibson/status/960139829290913792
I'd rather have Murphy than Joselu up top😂😂😂
— 𝕄𝔸𝕏 ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ (@maxohayes) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/AllenGC90/status/960139968734691330
Rather that than Joselu having a chance of playing
— Alfie (@Alfie_falcus) February 4, 2018
Let’s go you Mighty Magpies! Pretty happy Joselu isn’t involved.
— David Proud (@DhandsomeProud) February 4, 2018
Why no Joselu on the bench?
— Ben (@Forbsey67) February 4, 2018
No joselu ayyyyyyy
— vinny malhotra (@vinnymalhotraa) February 4, 2018
No Joselu, wow
— Ben Mancebo-Thomas (@BenMancebo) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/KieronGilly/status/960139856155500544
I’d rather there be no Striker than Joselu
— Jake Atkin (@MrBics) February 4, 2018
@NUFC
No Joselu? Probably missed the bus! Misses everything else!! ⚽️#nufc— Bob Edgar (@bobuoprecast) February 4, 2018
No Slimani or Joselu in the squad? It’s a strange one – going to have to play a different style of play today
— Scotty™ (@danny_scott98) February 4, 2018
Perez and Atsu can go up top maybe …. Joselu is a waste on a shirt anyway haha
— David Stratton (@SlothyVlogs) February 4, 2018
Merino aside, can’t argue with those changes. Joselu is poor and broken, while Atsu was a total car crash in midweek- everything he touched went to shit.
— Hail to the King (@ShotShy) February 4, 2018
There might still be a way to go in the season but today’s game is a classic six pointer at the wrong end of the table.
Newcastle are in 16th but only above Huddersfield in 19th on goal difference.
Crystal Palace are just one place and two points ahead of Newcastle in 15th, but a win could take the Magpies up to 11th.
Newcastle haven’t won in the Premier League since January 1 when they beat Stoke 1-0 and fans will be desperate for Benitez’ side to get something from the game today.
However, history is on their side in the fixture.
From the last 19 fixtures in all competitions against Crystal Palace, Newcastle have won 14, drawn three and lost just two.
In other Newcastle United transfer news, Football Insider has rated the club’s January signings.
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