The Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern are desperate to see their side claim a second away victory of the season, when they face Burnley in the Premier League this evening.
The Toon Army will travel to Lancashire in full force tonight to witness their first encounter since a home victory against Crystal Palace 9 days ago. Last time out, they had Mikel Merino to thank for their late victory, albeit courtesy of a huge slice of luck that enabled the Spaniard to open his account for the club just days after his initial loan move became permanent.
A victory for Newcastle against Burnley this evening would see them leapfrog Liverpool into 6th place in the Premier League and cap off a dream opening to the new season for Benitez. Thus far, Newcastle have struggled slightly on the road with only 4 of their 14 points coming away from St. James’ in the league.
The entirety of the football club will be hoping for a much improved away performance tonight against a side who are notoriously difficult to beat at home. the Magpies will have to discover their best form and dig deep to take a positive result back to the North-East tonight.
After 9 days without a first-team match, the Newcastle squad should be feeling refreshed and Benitez will be happy to know he has the entire squad barring Paul Dummett at his disposal for their clash tonight.
Benitez has had plenty of time to experiment with tactics and formations in training so it will be interesting to see how they will line up.
Here are two players that Benitez should drop from their last outing for their evening fixture tonight …
Ayoze Perez
Ayoze Perez has started in all 9 of Newcastle’s Premier League matches so far this season.
He appears to be highly-regarded by Benitez, who has entrusted him with the number 10 role over Mohamed Diame who is yet to get a look in this season.
Perez has done little to justify his starting berth as of yet this season with just a solitary goal and assist to show for his efforts so far.
Diame deserves an opportunity to prove himself from the outset this evening, in a game that would suit his physicality and give Newcastle a greater presence in the opposition penalty area.
Alternatively, Benitez could start with two strikers and hand an opportunity to Aleksander Mitrovic or Dwight Gayle to partner joint top-goalscorer Joselu upfront.
Isaac Hayden
Isaac Hayden has begun his career with Newcastle United relatively well so far, but faces stiff competition for places from Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel Merino at the centre of midfield.
With all three players fit to face Burnley tonight, Benitez has a tough decision to make.
Merino has stolen the hearts of the vast majority of Newcastle fans with his assured performances for the club so far and he made a strong case for selection with his late goal against Crystal Palace last time out.
Providing Benitez does not opt to push Merino forward and start all 3 of the above-mentioned players, Hayden should be dropped in favour of Merino in Benitez’s starting line-up tonight.
