Rafa Benitez has confirmed this afternoon that he will make a few changes to his side for tomorrow’s clash with Watford, also confirming that both Ciaran Clark and Christian Atsu will miss out with injuries.
With this in mind, here’s a few players we think could be in line for starts at Vicarage Road tomorrow.
Jacob Murphy
He found some form at the back end of the year and took his goal very well in the away defeat at Man City, but we’ve seen so little of him since.
Admittedly, he did look a little erratic and edgy when he was brought on for the final half an hour against West Brom last weekend, however tomorrow’s game could give him the ideal platform to show us what he can really do. I see him coming in for Ritchie on the right.
Mikel Merino
He’s played very little football of late and missed out of the squad last weekend with a minor knock, however he’s now back in training and I think we could see him return to the side tomorrow..
He’s a talented player, but one who we need to see given some game time if he’s ever going to get back to his best under Benitez. He could come in for Shelvey, who was poor against West Brom.
Javier Manquillo
We’ve not seen him in the league for several months after Paul Dummett’s return from injury, however he could well come in at right-back (his preferred position) for DeAndre Yedlin.
The American was very poor against West Brom last weekend so it may be wise to give the Spaniard a shot in the side.
The likes of Mbemba, Hayden and Joselu are other options who could start tomorrow, but we fancy the three above to be handed starts.
I’m hoping there is changes. After last weekend’s abject display at home to West Brom, a few changes and some fresh blood could be just what this team lacking motivation needs.
