I personally feel Newcastle have a few options who we can look at getting in for the remainder of the season. They’ve had a very tough run of fixtures for a while and Rafa has set his team up accordingly being quite difficult to break down. Now having a break in the sun, I am hopeful they come back refreshed, and also hopeful they will set up more attack minded.
They only play 2 of the top 6 in their final 12 games. The next 2 are plumb home fixtures to say the least (Huddersfield and Burnley) followed by 3 winnable games if they show any sign of form. (whu, EVE, bou)
Around this time last year, Newcastle seemed to find their stride and went on a great run of form. Perez and Dwight Gayle finding their feet and Perez especially hit form in the last couple of months of the season.
I believe Rafa’s boys will have to have a real go on their return and I’m quite confident they can finish mid-table.
Forgetting his last minute error against Wolves, Dubravka (5m) has had a great season. He could do well, as could Lascelles (4.6m), Yedlin (4.5m), Schar (4.6m). The latter’s numbers do look better for that 21 point haul in GW 23 though again last night, he did show an intent to get forward.
Longstaff (4.5m) isn’t an FPL prospect this season. Though he is a very good player who looks excellent at finding space and his team mates around him. Though if Newcastle do approach this kind run of fixtures with more of an attacking intent, there is an opportunity to find a gem. (Like I mentioned earlier, last season it was Ayoze Perez).
I don’t think Perez is the go to man though, as at 6.1m, their main man up top Rondon comes in at 5.7m. I personally think he is a very underrated player with Newcastle not always playing to his strengths. His hold up play is excellent, great in the air, but he’s also showed this season he is good with the ball at his feet. I think he could do well.
Though one player I am definitely going to keep tabs on is midfielder Miguel Almiron (6m). Early doors I know with this lad. But in the 18 mins he played last night, he certainly showed intent. He could be the exact kind of player that the Newcastle faithful get excited about. I think he could well replace Atsu on the left and between him and Perez, give Rondon the support and link-up play he requires.
At the price, it doesn’t seem a huge gamble. A lot will go Richarlison > Felipe Anderson and it’s a smart move you would think, though for those looking for a differential in that price bracket, you could do a lot worse.
I’d be interested to hear any Newcastle fans thoughts on whether they believe Newcastle can hit a purple patch now? The opportunity is certainly there for them.
How do you see the rest of the Newcastle season playing out?