Newcastle will be looking to ensure consistency ahead of the new campaign as Rafa Benitez won’t want a repeat of the last campaign. Indeed, the Magpies enjoyed a good run out against FC Porto in their last outing, but some players are still yet to reach their full potential.
The Magpies seem to be making moves on the transfer front at the perfect time with the new campaign edging closer, but it will be all about how Rafa Benitez integrates them into his side.
So, next up for Newcastle United is a game with Portuguese side Braga. It will be interesting to see how Benitez’s side perform against another impressive side as they gear up for the Premier League season.
Therefore, having taken Benitez’s selection from the last game into consideration, we’ve come up with a team that we think the Spaniard could line up with against Newcastle.
Click through to the next page to see the entire potential team in FULL…
NEWCASTLE’S POTENTIAL TEAM VS BRAGA
So, we’ve gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation, as that is the formation that Benitez has looked to make use of during pre-season thus far. The Magpies look to make use of their wide men by spreading the play to get balls hurled into the box, with Joselu thriving off the distribution so far during pre-season.
Newcastle will look to give Martin Dubravka a starting place once again after he kept a clean sheet, as he prepares to tackle the Premier League as Benitez’s first choice goalkeeper.
In defence, the Magpies will look to bring summer signing Fabian Schar into the heart of the defence to partner club captain Jamaal Lascelles. Meanwhile, Paul Dummett and Deandre Yedlin will look to impact the game on either flank, both in defensive and attacking areas.
Interestingly, the midfield partnership that the Magpies should look to make use of includes Jonjo Shelvey and summer signing Ki Sung-yeung, who will more than likely start the first game of the season. And, the ever-reliable Matt Ritchie and Jacob Murphy will line up on either side of the midfield, looking to take on the opposition’s defenders and get balls into the box.
Lastly, Ayoze Perez will take up his usual place in behind the striker, buzzing around and looking to get on the end of any through balls and flick-ons. Joselu had a terrible campaign last time around, but he seems to have found his feet so far during pre-season, so he’ll be looking to add to his tally against Braga.
Newcastle fans – Thoughts?
Let us know down below!!!
