The NUFC XI I’d love to see Benitez start against Leicester on Saturday

Saturday’s game against Leicester looks like a big one. It’ll mark the 125th year anniversary for the club, but also represents a huge game in our season after 5 defeats and 1 draw in our last 6.

The side that played Chelsea last weekend did ok in parts, but Saturday’s game is at home, being a totally different game and one we must do our utmost to win.

With this in mind, here’s the team I’d love to see start against an in-form Leicester at St. James’ Park this weekend:

Mitrovic for Perez 

Leicester tend to play a 4-4-2 formation and I don’t see why we shouldn’t do the same on Saturday. Mitrovic’s presence and hold up play could be the perfect foil for Gayle, with Perez tending to flatter to deceive or fail to get involved enough at home in particular (even if his pressing is appreciated). It’s unlikely given Rafas’ reluctance to play Mitro, but he’s played two up top in the past and I think this could work very well.

Shelvey for Diame

A no brainer, this one. Diame didn’t do nearly enough to keep his place last weekend and a Shelvey/Merino partnership is by far our best bet when both are fit.

Yedlin for Manquillo 

Manquillo looked more comfortable on his favoured right side at Chelsea and Yedlin did deserve dropping, but I’d bring him back in for this one. He is still our best right-back and his pace may be needed against the pace of Demarai Gray and Jamie Vardy on Saturday.

Lascelles for Clark

If fit enough, Lascelles’ return will be a huge boost. Some will say that Lejeune deserves dropping over Clark on recent displays, but Lejeune looked superb alongside Lascelles prior to the skipper’s injury.

 

Let us know your thoughts folks – do you like the look of this team?

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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