OPINION
Newcastle United mounted an impressive come back to win against Everton 3-2 last Saturday and they will be hoping that their good fortune continues with a victory over Bournemouth this weekend.
Salomon Rondon and the impressive Ayoze Perez both scored to ensure of all three points for the Magpies, and a win over the Cherries would put United one step closer to achieving Premier League safety for yet another season.
In order to have the best possible chance over Eddie Howe’s side, boss Rafa Benitez must make three changes to the side that won on Saturday.
In goal, Martin Dubravka must start as normal.
The first two changes must come in the defence, where Benitez has been playing three centre-backs in recent times. However, Jamaal Lascelles – who is on £40,000-a-week [Spotrac] – was particularly out of sorts that afternoon, not to mention hooked at half time through injury, which is why he must be axed.
This means that Paul Dummett, who was especially excellent when he came on, should take his place by coming in at left-back.
DeAndre Yedlin came back into the side on Saturday at right wing-back, but it is safe to say that his comeback was not the best that we have seen from him this season. He had a really poor first 45 minutes, and he should be dropped ahead of the weekend. Javier Manquillo has stepped up his game recently, and he must be the one to come into the side at his expense.
Isaac Hayden has been in brilliant form recently and that was no different against Everton – he was Newcastle’s driving force at times and his work rate is excellent. However, Ki Sung-yueng did not have his best game in a Newcastle shirt, which he why he must be axed in favour of Jonjo Shelvey, who impressed in the time that he had on the pitch.
Miguel Almiron caused Everton a whole host of problems on Saturday, so it is a no-brainer that he should keep his space in the side. The same goes for Perez, who was on fire, as was Salomon Rondon.
If Benitez makes the right calls regarding his team this weekend, then there is no doubt that they would be able to blitz past Bournemouth with ease.