The overwhelming Newcastle fans choice to replace Jonjo Shelvey – 90% of the vote
Mikel Merino is the overwhelming choice of Newcastle fans to replace Jonjo Shelvey today at Huddersfield.
In our snap poll this morning, we gave supporters the options of Jack Colback, Mikel Merino, or Mohamed Diame playing alongside Isaac Hayden.
Thanks to everybody who voted and there couldn’t be a clearer verdict:
90% Mikel Merino
8% Mohamed Diame
2% Jack Colback
We just now need to wait for Rafa Benitez announcing his team shortly (12.30 – an hour before kick-off), an interesting selection all round, with Rafa having to make at least three changes to the team v Spurs due to suspension and injuries.
The options to replace Shelvey put forward earlier:
Last season you would have assumed Jack Colback, who was the main back up to the Hayden/Shelvey partnership but Rafa clearly wants him out of the club and he didn’t even take part in Thursday’s public training session. Could though Rafa give him this chance to prove him wrong?
In pre-season, Mohamed Diame was used a number of times in a deeper midfield role, as well as once or twice last season. He was recovering from injury last weekend and wasn’t named in the squad, so could he be the wrong.
Mikel Merino has came in this summer and impressed with brief appearances, including late on in that Spurs game. However, he is very inexperienced and has only started two games in the top tier of any league, so would Rafa risk him?
Rafa Benitez talking about Mikel Merino ahead of Huddersfield:
“Mikel Merino is a player with a lot of confidence.
“He is a good professional and he has settled down already.
“The rest of the players love him. It’s guaranteed that he can go to another level as a professional, as a person, as a player.
“The rest of his teammates love him already.
“He is fine, he has no problems.
“He can play, he will need some time because he’s only a young player, but I think he has all the potential to be a very good player.”
Huddersfield v Newcastle Match Betting:
All Huddersfield v Newcastle betting HERE
Huddersfield to win 6/4 – Newcastle to win 85/40 – Draw 9/4
Gayle to score first goal 6/1 – Joselu to score last goal 15/2 – NUFC to win 3-1 30/1
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