OPINION
Without a win in any competition and with one of the lowest shot rates across the entire Premier League – things at Newcastle United are looking particularly bleak already.
A 2-0 home defeat to the hands of Leicester, who themselves barely got out of third gear on the way to victory, leaves the Magpies languishing near the foot of the top flight table, staying above Cardiff and Huddersfield on goal difference alone.
Up next for Rafael Benitez and his team are Manchester United, the Red Devils having their own issues both on and off the field, and many might say there is not a better time to play Jose Mourinho’s men as Newcastle hunt for their first win of the season.
After watching a dismal display against the Foxes, where one of the only shots on target came from an ambitious effort from Jonjo Shelvey from inside his own half, things quite clearly need to change on the pitch, but who does Benitez have to call upon?
According to the Chronicle, the Spanish boss may well be able to call upon defensive duo Paul Dummett and Federico Fernandez after their respective injury blows, while Yoshinori Muto is also said to be in line for a start sooner rather than later.
Now starting any of the trio would be a notable gamble on Benitez’s behalf, but considering the dire performance against Leicester, throwing all three into the mix seems a no-brainer for the manager.
Dummett and Fernandez are without doubt first choice when fully fit and can keep the attacking threats of Romelu Lukaku and co at bay, while up top Muto can bring some much needed energy and desire to a toothless attack.
Fans would much rather see changes made than continue in the same vein of poor form at Old Trafford, and something needs to spark the Magpies into life if they want to escape the relegation dogfight.