For the game today at the Emirates, Jonjo Shelvey is suspended and Aleksandar Mitrovic has a slight back strain and both will not travel to London.
This is Newcastle’s third game in eight days and we lost the last two games 3-2 to Leicester City and then 1-0 to Everton – both at St. James’ Park.
We have lost the last nine games against Arsenal and it will be difficult to break that streak given the form of the team lately with just one point from the last eight games – which has been a disaster.
Rafa Benitez – Newcastle manager
Here’s the team we think Rafa could start today in London:
Darlow
Yedlin Lascelles (c) Lejeune Manquillo
Hayden Merino
Ritchie Gayle Murphy
Joselu
What team would you start against Arsenal today?
Comments welcome.
15 comments so far
Nufc-83
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:03 AM
Comment #1My team for today
Elliot
Yedlin. Lascelles lejuerne. Mbemba
Atsu. Hayden. Merino. Aarons
Richie
Gayle
Nufc-83
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:05 AM
Comment #2I think Richie and Gayle would hassle any defence into mistakes with such a high work rate. Richie could also take the ball in tight spaces and link up well with the midfield. Obviously we would be lacking height up top so would need to keep the ball low or knock into the channels. I think that could really work.
Jib
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:07 AM
Comment #3The squad scrapping their Christmas party
shows the right attitude.
toontaff2
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:08 AM
Comment #4Drat, missed Aarons – replace Saivet with him on the bench 😆
Jib
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:10 AM
Comment #5Nufc-83
Like you I’ve pondered that.
Ritchie receiving the ball more
centrally just outside the box is
certainly a trickier player than Perez
(and less keen to fall over) and
could provide better service to Gayle
toontaff2
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:13 AM
Comment #6Meanwhile, in Denmark
https://youtu.be/LVgiZGz1Mz8
Apologies to Jeremy, in the front.
😆
Jib
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:13 AM
Comment #7At the start of each season the continent’s leading club
coaches gather at the UEFA Elite Club Coaches Forum
at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon .
The last British coach to be invited was Sir Alex Ferguson.
NUFC’s manager has been invited there every Summer
for the last 10 years (the only coach of a 2nd tier side ever
to attend)
Some of the dimwits on here want us to bin Rafa because
he won’t pick a certain player .
MINDBOGGLING
Jib
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:15 AM
Comment #8Ting tang ting
toontaff2
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:17 AM
Comment #9Mitro’s suffering with splinters in his backside or has he got some of Bobby’s piles? 😉
toontaff2
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:26 AM
Comment #10Jib, we need to move quickly for Tony Pulis before The Swans nab him! 💡
Jib
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:26 AM
Comment #11How many Danes does it take to change a lightbulb ?
ascot7
Dec 16, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Comment #12Ashley has to spend to keep Newcastle in the Premier league. If he spends 50.000.000, Stavely will reimburse him, If he fails to keep them up, He has to agree to a clause to pay Stavely the same amount, if they drop down, Ashley cannot lose, to get a goal getter, and a defender.
Singinginthecorner
Dec 16, 2017 at 9:04 AM
Comment #13Just a thought as far as we know they are still talking he wants to sell she wants to buy this is the closest Ashley has come to selling our club so no news is good news just hang tight. On the other hand could be all done and dusted would you really tell the club’s your trying to buy players off that you have millions in the bank even a rich man/woman likes a bargain that’s why there rich
SeanNufc87
Dec 16, 2017 at 9:43 AM
Comment #14Well darlow has made a couple mistakes recently so I think elliot will get the nod.
Back line probably lascelles, Clark, yedders and Mbemba for pace.
hayden and Diame in DM
Perez in number 10 atsu and Murphy on wings and Gayle up top.
Not my team choice but I think that’s what raffia will play
lochinvar
Dec 16, 2017 at 10:11 AM
Comment #15The team will have lost confidence in Darlow as he alone was responsible for the fiasco of a loss against Everton. Just hope that Rafa realises that and installs Elliot and gives a sense of purpose and attitude into the players. Attitude, confidence and energy are the three major signings we need.