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Matt le Tissier gives his verdict on Newcastle’s chances in the Premier League

7 years ago
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Matt le Tissier has been talking to Sky Sports about Newcastle United and the challenges they face in the Premier League.

The former Southampton talisman says that Newcastle United have their own.

Matt le Tissier believing that if Rafa Benitez ‘stays all season’ Newcastle will be comfortably just below mid-table.

On the pitch, le Tissier believes Matt Ritchie is a key player, whilst in terms of who he will be excited to see, the TV pundit wants to see whether Gayle and Shelvey can do it this time at the to level.

As for weaknesses, Matt le Tissier thinks that goals could prove a problem and he also thinks more signings need to arrive, those two issues maybe linked…

Matt Le Tissier talking to Sky Sports:

‘What is success for Benitez’s Newcastle?’

“Well I guess for most teams coming up it is just staying up, but Newcastle’s fan base will expect a bit more, so I think 13th or above would be considered a successful stepping stone season.”

‘Which of their players are you most excited about watching?’

“I think it will be interesting to see how Dwight Gayle will cope with being first-choice striker as he’s never really been that in the Premier League.

“I’d also like to see how Jonjo Shelvey, who has always had the ability to dominate games, has developed and matured now he’s got a bit more experience under his belt.”

‘What are the challenges facing the manager this season?’

“The challenges have been trying to bring in quality players who are going to improve the team. There’s not been much movement up there and I’d expect a bit more before the close of the window.

“If you look at the teams who come up, not many survive without improving themselves in the summer.”

‘What are their strengths?’

“The strength is probably the manager.

“If you look at the squad it’s not outstanding.

I like Matt Ritchie and he will be one of their key men, so him and their manager.”

‘What are their weaknesses?’

“I would say, looking at the squad, in the forward department. Gayle has never really done it in the Premier League and Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic didn’t really deliver either so their weakness is scoring a lot of goals.”

‘Where will they finish this season and why?’

“Just because of Rafa, if he stays there all season, they’ll be somewhere just below mid-table.”

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