OPINION
Rafa Benitez’s decision to leave Kenedy out of his match day squad for Newcastle’s trip to Watford on Saturday raised a few eyebrows, but had arguably been a long time coming.
The Brazilian has been poor since his return to Tyneside over the summer, and his confidence has been shockingly low for a while now.
After being given a rest at the weekend, however, Benitez must reinstate the winger into his starting lineup to show that he still has a future at St. James’ Park, and to get the best out of a player who should be hungrier than ever to prove a point.
The Spaniard should make three changes to the side that picked up a vital away point against the Hornets.
As well as Kenedy, the newly fit Jonjo Shelvey should return in midfield, and Fabian Schar should come in for the injured Federico Fernandez.
The superb Martin Dubravka will start in net with a defensive three of Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles, and Schar in front of him.
Maintaining a five at the back is a good idea against a United side who have rekindled their famous attacking verve, and Deandre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie should be played as wing-backs.
Shelvey should be joined by Mo Diame in midfield, with Kenedy and Ayoze Perez providing width.
Top scorer Salomon Rondon is the Magpies’ best hope of stealing a result against the Reds, and he will lead the line looking to score a sixth league goal of the season.
