Newcastle’s strongest XI for 2017/18 highlights the need for new recruits – could two Arsenal stars solve the issue?
With less than a week to go until Newcastle United begin their return to the Premier League with an opening day fixture at home to Tottenham Hotspur, we take a look at their strongest XI of current players.
Manager Rafa Benitez wants to oversee more incomings and outgoings before the transfer window shuts at the end of August, with the Chronicle reporting that Siem De Jong, Massadio Haidara, Grant Hanley, Tim Krul, Achraf Lazaar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Emmanuel Riviere and Henri Saivet are all expected to leave.
With that in mind, here is what HITC thinks is probably the Magpies’ strongest team from those Benitez has available to him.
Starting at the back, Rob Elliot is expected to start the season between the sticks ahead of Karl Darlow if no new goalkeeper can be signed, although the Shields Gazette reports that Napoli’s Pepe Reina and Orestis Karnezis of Udinese are on the wish-list.
Two left-backs in Haidara and Lazaar are expected to leave and while Paul Dummett asserted himself at first choice in the position in the Championship last term, an upgrade or at least competition is needed. With that in mind, Newcastle have been linked with Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs by Sky Sports.
None of the remaining defensive spots are definite in terms of personnel, although as captain Jamaal Lascelles would probably expect to start, while Florian Lejeune is a new £8.7m signing (BBC).
A midfield of 2016/17 stalwarts Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey alongside new boys Mikel Merino and Jacob Murphy seems the most likely, while upfront there is debate about who will partner Dwight Gayle.
This leads to the final major problem in the squad – a new striker. Benitez has recognised it too and that is perhaps why he is looking at another Gunner in Lucas Perez, according to the Chronicle, who is valued at around £13.4m.
Rafael Benitez, the manager of Newcastle United, acknowledges their support after a pre-season friendly match against Bradford City.
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