Newcastle United supporters have been reasonably quiet in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their side go down 1-0 to Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night, thus suffering a fourth Premier League loss of the campaign.
Rafa Benitez’s men went into their clash with the Lancashire-based outfit off the back of beating Crystal Palace 1-0 at St James’ Park, and as such would have been confident of recording a second successive league win against the Clarets. However, they were unable to keep their solid run going as a Jeff Hendrick strike 16 minutes from time was enough to seal a 1-0 success for Sean Dyche’s side, who in turn moved above the North East giants into seventh place in the Premier League table.
Thus, several of our resident Newcastle fans have been despondent in the Tavern this week and are searching for answers as to why their team put in such a lethargic display on Monday night, one they hope they will not repeat on Saturday when Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth visit St James’ Park.
The Cherries have struggled in the early stages of the season having won just two of their opening ten league games, although they did pick up three points from their last away outing against Stoke City on October 21.
Consequently, there is some trepidation among those Magpies fans lining up at the bar ahead of Saturday’s clash given their poor showing at Burnley, and as such here are THREE Newcastle players Benitez should axe against the Cherries…
Mo Diame
Mo Diame was given his first Premier League start of the season by Benitez at Burnley on Monday night, but didn’t do his chances of earning another anytime soon much good at all.
The former Senegal international was brought in to help deal with the physical threat posed by the Clarets, but the 30-year-old was too often dispossessed and actually made more fouls (three) than any other Newcastle player.
And with Isaac Hayden doing reasonably well in his 14-minute cameo at Turf Moor, Diame will be fortunate to keep his place on Saturday,
Ayoze Perez
Ayoze Perez has started all ten of Newcastle’s Premier League matches so far this season, but has just one goal and one assist to show for it.
And although the 24-year-old certainly gives his all and helps to defend from the front, one senses that more is required in the attacking third of the pitch from a number ten, and another disappointing showing against Burnley suggests that the Spaniard may not be that man.
There appears to be no immediate replacement for Perez, which is likely why he has started every game, but a formation change could well see the forward axed on Saturday.
Joselu
Much like Perez, striker Joselu is a solid and dependable option for Benitez as the lone forward, but just two goals in nine Premier League games isn’t a particularly healthy return.
And when one considers the amount of chances he has missed as well, the 27-year-old should really be on a much higher tally at this stage of the campaign.
Thus, there are clear question marks over his attacking pedigree, and with lethal strikers such as Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic available as well, the Spaniard could well be facing the chop this weekend.
