OPINION
Newcastle United host Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James’ Park in a mid-table Premier League clash on Sunday, and Rafa Benitez must make four changes to his starting XI.
The Magpies will take heart from their midweek 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, with Salomon Rondon’s third Premier League goal of the season securing a valuable point.
Opponents Wolves will be full of confidence after securing a huge 2-1 win over Chelsea which saw them fight back from behind through Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez.
Benitez is expected to have several players back from injury and suspension on Sunday, meaning four changes must come for the Magpies.
In goal, Martin Dubravka must start as normal.
Benitez must revert to a back four in defence considering Fabian Schar is suspended, with DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez all keeping their spots, while the returning Paul Dummett must replace Javier Manquillo on the left.
A holding midfield duo of Ki Sung-yueng and Mohamed Diame must retain their places, with Jonjo Shelvey being kept out of the side by their burgeoning partnership.
Two changes must come on the flanks, with Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy replaced by the returning duo of Matt Ritchie and Kenedy.
In place of the suspended Schar comes Yoshinori Muto, with the Japan international, 26, offering some extra pace just behind Salomon Rondon, who is the clear choice to lead the line for the Magpies. This would be Muto’s first start since November 3rd after injury.
These four changes and switch in formation mean this is a Newcastle side with more than enough quality to blow Wolves away and continue their march up the table.
