Newcastle United will look to bounce back from three successive Premier League defeats since preserving their top flight status when they face Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Wednesday night.
The Magpies surpassed the magic 40-point mark last month when they beat Arsenal 2-1 at St James’ Park, but they have lost all three of the games they have played since then, including the 2-1 loss against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
The Tyneside outfit paid for a slow start against the Hornets – where they found themselves 2-0 down after 28 minutes – and despite an improved second-half display they couldn’t snatch a point.
Rafa Benitez’s men are now only in the top half of the Premier League table on goal difference, and the Spaniard will know that they need to get some positive results in their final two fixtures if they are going to stay there.
The 58-year-old, who has worried fans on Twitter with his latest frustrated comments on his future, made two changes to the XI that was beaten by West Bromwich Albion for the match against Watford as Javier Manquillo and Jacob Murphy came in for DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie, and he may well be considering giving some more of his fringe players game time in the capital.
Here is how Newcastle must line up against Tottenham, ahead of Martin Dubravka in goal…
Benitez brought in Manquillo for Yedlin at right-back at Vicarage Road, but the Spaniard failed to take advantage of his opportunity – especially in the first half – and the American should come back into the XI against Spurs.
Aside from that, the Spaniard should keep with the same back four that have been a mainstay in defence in recent weeks – captain Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejuene and Paul Dummett.
The former two in particular will be looking to keep Harry Kane, who failed to get on the score-sheet against West Brom at the weekend – quiet.
Benitez decided to give Murphy an opportunity from the start against Watford, but like Manquillo he failed to make the most of his chance and he was replaced by Matt Ritchie just eight minutes after half-time.
While Kenedy should keep his berth on the left with Christian Atsu absent and Ritchie back in on the right, the Spanish manager should look to go with a new-look central midfield duo.
Mo Diame has struggled in the last few matches and should be replaced by Isaac Hayden, while Mikel Merino should also be given his chance having recovered from injury, with Jonjo Shelvey rested before the home game against Chelsea on Sunday.
Dwight Gayle endured another frustrating afternoon in front of goal against the Hornets, and with Islam Slimani suspended Benitez should look to give Joselu a rare chance in the starting XI against Tottenham.
Ayoze Perez continued his fine run of form when he scored brilliantly at Vicarage Road, and as well as providing a goal threat at Wembley, the Spanish manager will be looking for his compatriot to supply the striker he is playing with on Wednesday.
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