Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has an important selection decision to make.
It was hoped that the return of Jamaal Lascelles from injury would herald an upturn in Newcastle United’s fortunes, but Rafael Benitez’s side still suffered a 1-0 defeat to Everton in midweek even with their captain back in the side.
Newcastle have gone an alarming eight games without a victory in the Premier League and must show significant signs of improvement tomorrow afternoon when they face an Arsenal side that have been impressive at home this season.
Lascelles is set to be called upon again at the heart of the defence, but Benitez must consider bringing Ciaran Clark back into the starting lineup to partner the 24-year-old, rather than Florian Lejeune.
A summer arrival from Eibar, Lejeune has shown some occasional flashes of brilliance since joining Newcastle but has also made some avoidable errors and, given the predicament that they are in, languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, Benitez’s side cannot afford to take any risks.
Clark has more Premier League experience than Lejeune and is closing in on his 150th appearance in the division.
An impressive reader of the game, Clark is capable of performing well alongside Lascelles and his inclusion in the starting lineup would improve Newcastle’s chances of keeping a clean sheet at Emirates Stadium.
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