We didn’t start the season well with the result or with our injuries and suspensions last Sunday when we lost 2-0 to Spurs.
We lost both Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett to injury in the first half and Jonjo Shelvey to a stupid second half sending-off and lost the game to Tottenham.
Until the sending off we were in the game and could have even won it with some luck.
All three players will not play in the game at Huddersfield on Sunday afternoon.
Chancel Mbemba in action against Spurs
We expect Rafa to keep Mbemba at center-back and Ciaran Clark at left back although we would be happier with Clark in the center.
And it’s a great opportunity for new signing Mikel Merino to show what he can do in place of Shelvey in the central midfield position at John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday.
DeAndre Yedlin is fit again, but we expect to see him start on the bench on Sunday.
So this is the side we think Rafa could start on Sunday and hopefully, we can get our first win of the season.
Elliot
Manquillo Lascelles (c) Mbemba Clark
Hayden Merino
Ritchie Perez Atsu
Gayle
New signing Joselu should be on the bench, and he could make his Newcastle debut in the second half on Sunday.
The only change we can see to the above team is if Rafa trusts Jesus Gamez to play well at left-back and then he can move Clark back to the middle in place of Chancel.
But Mbemba also deserves his chance to show what he can do, and after all, he played well last Sunday against Tottenham.
What’s your team for Sunday?
Comments welcome.
109 comments so far
Ron Knee
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:22 AM
Comment #1I wonder if Rafa will be tempted to start Diamé. He’s fit again, apparently.
ShirebrookToon
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:29 AM
Comment #2This is a good read for anyone interested.
http://www.themag.co.uk/2017/08/rafa-benitez-will-stay-newcastle-beyond-3-year-contract-newcastle-united/
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:29 AM
Comment #3Got the team right last week! 🙂
This week not too sure. If Yedders is fit to start, then I’d go with this team.
Elliot
Yedders Lascelles Clark Manquillo
Hayden Merino
Ritchie Perez Atsu
Gayle
Manqillo can play left back as competently as right back by all accounts so why not utilise that? Not sure about Clark at left back, much prefer to see him in the middle. That said, if Yedders needs a week more to get up to speed, then I’d stick with him at left back and play Mbemba in the middle. Rafa will know his team already I reckon and he’ll be fully aware of fitness levels.
ShirebrookToon
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:30 AM
Comment #4Ron
I would like to see De Jong start. He’s got a point to prove and is what’s missing in that no10 role
Blaydon-Toon
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:33 AM
Comment #5Ron Knee Diame is much better playing as central midfielder I don’t think either him or Perez play the number 10 role particularly well … Not seen enough SDJ to argue his case but would love to see us try two up top but I know it’s very doubtful
Ron Knee
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:34 AM
Comment #6Shire
Yes, that’s a bit of a headache for Rafa. Nobody is exactly an automatic choice at the moment!
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:42 AM
Comment #7Shirebrook, pretty much what I’ve been saying since last season. I think he’ll sign a contract extension when this runs out, whether Ashley is still here or not.
He’s started a project and he wants to finish it. Next season he’ll have the TV money to spend and that should tempt him further. He likes a challenge – he’s definitely got that here!
ThirdStripeBlack
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:43 AM
Comment #8Shire
Thanks for the share mate. Enjoyed that read.
Those close to the Tyne, have faith and follow the toon. Trust me, it’s much harder to feel a part of it from the other side of the globe, even though you’ve always had a black and white heart.
HWTL
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:47 AM
Comment #9I wonder if we will see a TOON team play in the Premiership this season with the whole of the team being RAFA’s signings. mmmm
outside the box
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:47 AM
Comment #10bobbybee …yedlin not involved at open day so doubt if he will be risked…expect manquillo rb and clark lb ..although id prefer clark at cb and gamez lb.
elliott
manquillo lasc mbemba clark
hayden merino
ritchie perez atsu
gayle…
Ron Knee
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:55 AM
Comment #11The writer says “we already have a Premier League squad”. Do we? What about Lascelles, Clark, Hayden, Atsu and Merino? Not exactly PL proven!
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:57 AM
Comment #12OTB, well in that case then yeah, we both have the same team then. Been occupied this week so I was just going on Ed saying he was fit. I assumed he must’ve been training.
Elliot.
Manquillo, Lascelles Mbemba Clark
Hayden Merino
Ritchie Perez Atsu
Gayle.
Cheers for that. This team pretty much picks itself really.
lochinvar
Aug 18, 2017 at 9:59 AM
Comment #13This week not too sure. If Yedders is fit to start, then I’d go with this team.
Bingo team
Elliot
Manguillo Lascelles Mwemba Clark
Hayden De Jong
Ritchie Perez Atsu
Joselu
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:00 AM
Comment #14Bother. Taxi required. Be back later. Just getting into the flow there as well! 🙂
lochinvar
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:02 AM
Comment #15Bobbybee – don’t think Yedlins ready yet and think we might see Jovelu from the start to protect Gayle, also keeping Mitro on the bench – jealous and hungry to make a point when he gets on later on second half. Hence team above.
Klatoon
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:03 AM
Comment #16Rafa emphasises balance, right from the back with a Left footed CB. On a side note, Im curious as to how and when Murphy will be deployed. Atsu seems a sure starter for now and Ritchie is a Rafa favorite.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:09 AM
Comment #17Morning Ron…I wonder if we will see Mitro or if it’s over for the lad?
…he works much better with Perez and I think he’s a much better PL forward!
It’s true about our #10 conundrum…I have said it before we should scrap that formation…
Ron Knee
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:12 AM
Comment #18jesper
I thought Mitro would have been chosen to start against Spurs. I’m not too keen on Perez-Gayle.
magspuggy
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:15 AM
Comment #19I am part of the better the devil we know gang . I dont like our owner and hate some of the things he has done to the club . Yet i dont see anyone else who would do it without wanting something in return. I like the idea that the club stands on its own feet and does not need a sugardaddie to pump his own money in everyyear to stay up. If ashley used the sd adverts money to reduce his personal loans by 10% each season and left rafa to run the club with whats left i would be all for it. The sugardaddie bubble will burst its killing the game and we will be in a better place after this season with rafa in charge and the sky money to help rebuild our club.
Just gotta stay up this year and we have enough to do it. Look at the unwashed ffs they spent money they did not have and now cant build a championship squad. We are at least stable enough to bounce back when needed with very little money needed from our owner.
Better the devil we know .
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:19 AM
Comment #20Ron
Perez – Gayle combination in my eyes has never worked. I banged on about it lats year being to lightweight easily knocked off the ball and both do not hold the ball up. We looked more balanced when Gayle or Perez played on their own with either Mitrovich or Murphy playing
Sometimes we had 5 or six players on the team under 6ft last season.
Nice to see some BEEF added this season with Lejuene who looks class along with Joselu, Merino and Manquilla giving a bit more height
ToonFanAbroad
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:21 AM
Comment #21Apparently we have sent out a delegation to Italy to try and seal a deal with Jovetic
Does this mean Mitro might be on his way out?
magspuggy
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:26 AM
Comment #22Toon fan abroad.
I would hope its perez that would be replaced not mitro but either could go for sure and mitro would raise more money.
ToonFanAbroad
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:27 AM
Comment #23magspuggy
thats what i was thinking, Mitro out for around £13 mil, which is what they are wanting for Jovetic hmmmm
Ron Knee
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:28 AM
Comment #24Charlie
Merino could be critical for us. At least I hope so!
ToonFanAbroad
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:32 AM
Comment #25I think Merino could be a class asset for us this year and for many years to come.
Just hope that some “big boy” club doesn’t come in and Fat Mike wants to cash in
Slank
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:32 AM
Comment #26Charlie
‘I wonder if we will see a TOON team play in the Premiership this season with the whole of the team being RAFA’s signings.’
I suppose so if he doesn’t sell Lazaar and brings back Sells from his loan club both being poor buys (am I allowed to say that Rafa has bought two duds given the adulation he receives from so many fans ?)
ToonFanAbroad
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:33 AM
Comment #27Yedlin back in training?!?!
http://futnsoccer.com/2017/08/18/newcastle-united-handed-huge-injury-boost-amid-crisis/
Billy Whitehursts V sign
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:34 AM
Comment #28I have never liked centre backs playing fullback. I doubt Yedlin will be thrown straight in doesnt seem Rafas way? Havent seen much of Games but he is a fullback, currently in the squad, so I would play him and leave Clark in the middle. Tough on Mbemba as I like him. I am not a Perez fan and away from home him and Gayle arent involved enough. Better to have someone who can get hold of the ball. I like dejong although not mobile the ball sticks to him and he finds space and can certainly see a pass. Perez plays with his head down too much. Away, if fit, I would put Diame ahead of Perez, presses the ball better. Gayle didnt look fit last week. Does Rafa trust Mitro? I doubt it!
Dont expect it but I would select
Elliot
Manq Lascelles Clark Gamez
Hayden Merino
Ritchie dejong Atsu
Joselu
catchy in norway
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:39 AM
Comment #29i’m really pleased Huddersfield smashed CP, for 2 reasons
1 i hate CP
2 they may be over confident on there home debut.
magspuggy
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:42 AM
Comment #30I wonder what we could sell perez for in this crazy market ? He only cost 1.5 million + fees so there would deffo be profit and i bet youtube has some great video of him doing his little turns and flicks.
For me he does not do enough to warrant a starting spot. To easy to knock off the ball and plays with his chin on his chest 90% of the time.
Slank
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:47 AM
Comment #31I think its possibly the following:
Elliot.
Manquillo, Lascelles Mbemba Clark
Hayden Merino
Ritchie Perez Atsu
Gayle.
I’m thinking that Rafa will play Gayle to get him match fit and build his confidence as he didn’t look particularly fit and confident against Spurs.
Like many I have my doubts about the Perez / Gayle combo. I would definitely consider De Jong in place of Perez. Whilst Perez has a lot of energy and movement, regrettably far too often with his head down De Jong however seems to see / know where others are and can often pick them out with a pass. He is also a very good header of the ball and at corners and free kicks quite effective.
I also wasn’t impressed with Ritchie against Spurs. He put in a lot of effort, as he nearly always does, but to no end. I guess Manquillo will need support from his winger and Murphy may not be ready for that at moment.
john tudor
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:49 AM
Comment #32i wont mind a devil who sets a level playing field taking his cut in profits allowing the club to generate an in come from advertising and other rights
Ciaran
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:53 AM
Comment #33Shirebrook
I read that Mag article earlier this morning and actually found it be overly optimistic claptrap. We weren’t playing in the Championship with a PL squad (unlike in 09/10 season) we weren’t overloaded with PL proven players – if one looks at our squad, we’ve got many players with little to no experience playing in the PL so we’re not a million miles ahead of the likes of Brighton and Huddersfield as the author of the article would seem to indicate.
The author not only seems to neglect to mention that we are very much scrapping among the bottom half of teams in the PL as opposed to the top 10, but he also somehow seems to think that we can be the PL ‘surprise package’ – the sole reason really being that we have Rafa Benitez at the helm.
But what if we didn’t?
Rest assured, while I don’t think we’re in major danger of losing Benitez right now, he certainly will not put up with window after window of penny pinching. He has now tolerated 2 transfer windows where he has not been given the back of the owner to materially improve the squad and one suspects that he won’t put up with many more – especially if we are struggling at the wrong end of the table.
We need Rafa a hell of a lot more than he needs us, so can the happy clappers take a little dose of realism. Please and thanks.
Ciaran
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:54 AM
Comment #34*back = backing
magspuggy
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:56 AM
Comment #35Aye john that would be nice eh.
The sd adverts are a bugbear of many fans and its fair enough.
He could also charge interest on the debt and take a wage but does not.
The biggest sin imho is selling the land as that means the ground cant grow and i know we would fill it if it did. Dont know who will get the money for that but i doubt it will be spent on transfers.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:56 AM
Comment #36Ron
Merino looked one cool cuctomer on Sunday against the Spuds. thought he did more in the ten minutes or so he was on than Shelvey did all game.
What I also liked about him is something you cannot really teach how when he passed the ball he could drift into/find space to receive a pass – always wanted the ball did not hide and used it well.
Could be the signing of the season along with Lejuene who was my player of the season in Martoon crystal ball predicter
YoungMag :P
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:58 AM
Comment #37We can’t be optimistic folks! Clearly we need a ‘dose’ of realism to stay in the real world… I mean, who actually hopes that there team can punch above its weight anyways?
john tudor
Aug 18, 2017 at 10:59 AM
Comment #38the pl need to make some rules on advertising to stop this man or get him to pay for his adverts
he is after all only the custodian of the club
Ciaran
Aug 18, 2017 at 11:07 AM
Comment #39YoungMag
I’m sure you think you’re being scathingly witty and sardonic, which is cute considering you’re really not.
Optimism in the face of evidence to the contrary is delusion. One can confuse realism with cynicism or pessimism but I don’t expect you to know the difference.
Bargain basement signings, an unproven young squad, inability to shift fringe players, an obviously frustrated world-class manager and an owner who continually trots out straw man arguments of not being able to financially compete with Manchester City as his “go-to” excuse for penny pinching are all very clear and worrying signs.
But by all means, I welcome your detailed and rational explanation as to why one should be optimistic – bearing in mind that I have already stated that having Rafa at the helm is perhaps our one saving grace.
magspuggy
Aug 18, 2017 at 11:08 AM
Comment #40Young mag. Dont be happy with a team that trys mate it has to be a team that wins things. Lmfao.