Three things Newcastle need to focus on in Bournemouth build up: 24-year-old set for axe
Perez set for axe in Benitez switch up
While Ayoze Perez has done little wrong while starting for Newcastle, there is actually very little he has contributed other than hard work and dedication up front.
What the Magpies need is goals though, and with Slimani hopefully returning to fitness, it is likely to be the Spanish attacker who drops out as a result.
Benitez has not shied away from playing two forwards up front and he may well feel that Dwight Gayle, who has led the line in recent weeks, would be the ideal foil for the Algerian international, playing in a slightly deeper role.
He offers the same determination while having shown a knack of snatching important goals, something Perez has failed to do, and of the duo, it should be last season’s top scorer who gets the nod.
In other Newcastle United news, the club have committed to a £2million fee for an international attacker.