Our Newcastle fans here in the Transfer Tavern are certainly eager to see their side back up and running in the Premier League this weekend.
The men from St. James’ Park have been going along in typically erratic fashion so far this season with them losing their first two games before blowing away West Ham to highlight what they can do.
For sure, then, our local Geordies will want to see plenty more of that from their club against Swansea this weekend but the line-up could just comprise a surprise or two thanks to circumstances in recent days over the international break.
Rafa Benitez, then, may have to switch things up ahead of this one and so, with that in mind, and the input from our local Magpies supporters, here is the XI we expect to see take on the Swans this weekend…
GK: Rob Elliot
A mainstay in the side so far this season for Newcastle.
He kept a clean sheet last time out against the Hammers and a repeat would surely send the club on the right path to a win this time around.
RB: Javi Manquillo
A solid if unspectacular signing, Manquillo has made the right back position his own so far.
That, of course, could change once some of the club’s players return to fitness, though, and so he needs to keep putting in shifts for the club.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles started the season on the bench but he’s got himself back in the side and we think he’ll start this one.
If Wilfried Bony is fit for the Swans he’ll have a good old tussle on his hands.
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Clark is arguably the club’s best defender and so it makes sense for him to start whenever possible.
He didn’t have a great international break with his country, though, and so will be eager to put that behind him this weekend.
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With Chancel Mbemba injured and Paul Dummett also out, there could just be an unlikely return for Jack Colback on the cards.
There can be no doubt that he would have been sold in the summer for the right price but he might just have to deputise in this role and will need to remain professional.
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We’re big fans of Hayden here in the Transfer Tavern and think he’ll start for this one.
He’s certainly got the capability to make himself into one of the better midfielders at the club right now.
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Merino looks a class act.
He’s got a typically cultured left-foot and really seems like the kind of player that can dictate the tempo of the game. Some Magpies have claimed he’s like Xabi Alonso here by the bar, though they may have had a few too many pints.
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Ritchie is an excellent option to have out wide and you can always rely on him to produce a goal or an assist.
He’ll be needed in this big game against the Swans.
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Perez really blows hot and cold and that isn’t good enough for a Premier League player.
He needs to find some consistency as soon as possible, then, or he’ll be getting hooked from the team pretty sharpish.
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Atsu has the skill set to be a Premier League player he just needs that extra bit of confidence and edge in the final third.
If he can start producing the goods there he’ll be a real asset for the club.
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Initial impressions are that Joselu is going to be a decent signing for the Magpies up top.
He should start this one, then, and getting the winner will only boost the initial positivity around his arrival.
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