Newcastle United fans here in the Tavern are worried about their Premier League future, as relegation back to the Championship could be in the offing for the Magpies.
Rafa Benitez has faced arguably one of his toughest seasons in the Premier League, as Newcastle United’s time in the top-flight could be short-lived with the possibility of relegation at the end of the season. Indeed, the Spaniard was always going to be up against it with a Championship standard squad heading into the new season, but the club’s choice to bring Kenedy and Martin Dubravka in on loan during the January transfer window has handed them a lifeline.
However, Benitez had a day to forget at his old stomping ground in their last outing, as they were beaten rather convincingly by a dominant Liverpool side. Indeed, there were some debatable performances on the day for the Magpies, as the Newcastle chief will be looking to mix things up in today’s season-defining encounter against fellow relegation rivals Southampton.
Therefore, as Newcastle head into a game of huge importance, Rafa Benitez cannot consider putting these TWO players in his side today…
Christian Atsu
The Ghanaian has been largely used as a rotation player so far this season under Rafa Benitez, as Matt Ritchie has often been the preferred man out wide for the Magpies
Sadly, Christian Atsu failed to make the most of his opportunity in the side at the weekend, after having no real impact in a game that was crying out for a Newcastle United player to take charge in attacking areas. Indeed, Christian Atsu ran down too many blind alleys and gave the ball away too often, with many of our local northerners hurling abuse at the 26-year-old after his poor performance.
Therefore, with a season-defining match coming up today against Southampton, Benitez should look to drop Atsu to the bench in order to gift Ritchie a start in his place.
Mohamed Diame
Mohamed Diame has enjoyed a regular place in the starting line-up during the second half of the season, and the recent injury to Jonjo Shelvey looks set to gift the midfielder even more opportunities.
However, he had a day to forget at Anfield after putting in a lackluster performance against a quality Liverpool midfield, as the 30-year-old was often at fault for the Magpies losing the ball. Indeed, this made our locals question his place in the side as many are left asking to see more all too often.
Therefore, with the in-form Mario Lemina likely to start for the Saints in today’s encounter at St James’ Park, Benitez will look to bring Isaac Hayden into the midfield to offer a more dogged approach.
