Newcastle team v Fulham confirmed – Interesting selection
Newcastle team v Fulham
The first glimpse of the kind of Newcastle team that Rafa Benitez sees equipped to take on the Championship.
Both Ciaran Clark and Mohamed Diame were signed too late to be considered for this game, whilst Moussa Sissoko also wasn’t considered after only arriving back from holiday on Monday.
Aleksandar Mitrovic is suspended for the first four Championship matches, whilst the likes of Rob Elliot and Tim Krul are out injured.
A bit of a surprise to see Chancel Mbemba on the bench and Grant Hanley line up alongside Jamaal Lascelles.
For my money, Mbemba is Newcastle’s best defender and I’m not too sure whether Hanley and Lascelles are a perfect fit, as maybe too similar?
Mbemba could be still feeling that ankle injury that kept him out last Saturday and the sharper eyed of you may well have noticed that this is the exact same team that took on Vitesse Arnhem.
Once again Rafa Benitez shows he isn’t afraid to leave out name players, Hayden playing and Shelvey on the bench.
With only Adam Armstrong as cover up front in Mitrovic’ absence, surely Rafa will be looking at bringing in at least one more forward.
Newcastle starting 11:
Sels, Janmaat, Hanley, Lascelles (c), Dummett, Hayden, Anita, Colback, Ritchie, Perez, Gayle
Subs:
Darlow, Sterry, Gamez, Shelvey, Armstrong, Mbemba, Aarons
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