The predicted NUFC XI that could well start against Burnley tonight – TWO changes on the cards?

It’s been a long weekend without any NUFC fixture to watch, however it is our turn tonight as we take on Burnley under the Sky cameras at Turf moor.

Despite a 1-0 win in our last outing against Palace, Rafa could well make a few changes to the side.

Here’s the team I think we might see start against Burnley tomorrow:

Newcastle United XI – (4-2-3-1) – Elliot – Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Clark – Hayden, Merino – Ritchie, Perez , Atsu – Joselu

Clark IN, Manquillo OUT?

I’ve been wondering if we’ll see Clark fill in at left-back for this one. Manquillo has done a steady job in the last three, but Rafa will value Clark’s superior aerial ability and defensive instincts in a game where coping with their physicality, height and threat from set pieces could be key? It may be a wise move from Rafa to hand the Irishman a route back into the team.

Merino IN, Shelvey OUT?

The silky Spaniard may have started from the bench in our last two, however he has been a huge player for us and you’d think he’ll be ready to return to the starting 11 for this one. Personally, I’d like to see him be partnered by Shelvey, however Benitez has started Isaac Hayden in each and every away game so far and I can’t see that changing after he put in his best performance of the season in our last away outing at Southampton. Shelvey was a quite wasteful on the ball against Palace and careless in the tackle, so I’m wondering if Benitez may go for the slightly more sturdy duo of Merino and Hayden in an attempt to out battle a pretty bruising Burnley side.

For what it’s worth, I’d be keen to see Mitrovic get his chance up top in a bid to keep Joselu on his toes, however I’m expecting to see Rafa hand the Spaniard another chance to shine. Perez is another player whose place in the side should be under threat after his poor showing against Palace, but Rafa seems to trust him in that role – even if Diame looked far more useful than Ayoze did after replacing him last Saturday.

Let us know if you agree with this team and the changes we think Rafa might just make for tonight’s game!

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