OPINION
Newcastle United welcome high-flying Bournemouth to St. James’ Park on Saturday as they look to build on their first win of the Premier League season, and Rafa Benitez must make three changes to his starting XI.
The Magpies finally secured their first three points of the campaign last weekend with a 1-0 win over Watford at home which saw them climb out of the relegation zone.
Opponents Bournemouth are coming in off a loss to Manchester United but will be high on confidence after a stunning start to the season which has seen them accrue 20 points from their first 11 games to sit in sixth.
This will be a tough test for Newcastle and Benitez must get his team selection spot on if they want another win, with the Spaniard also contending with a few injury concerns.
In goal, Martin Dubravka must start as normal.
In defence, DeAndre Yedlin, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett must all retain their places, while rarely-seen summer signing Fabian Schar must replace captain Jamaal Lascelles, who sustained an injury against Watford last weekend.
One more change must come in midfield with Jonjo Shelvey unlikely to be fit after suffering a muscle injury, with another rarely-seen new acquisition in Ki Sung-yueng deputising. Mo Diame must retain his place alongside.
On the wings, Matt Ritchie and Kenedy must keep their spots, while Ayoze Perez should come in to replace the injured Yoshinori Muto, with Salomon Rondon retained up front.
This is a Newcastle XI which has more than enough to stun Bournemouth and stop the Cherries in their tracks at the top of the table.
