Is it now Dwight Gayle’s time to shine?

A trip down south to face last season’s promotion rivals Brighton on Sunday represents a realistic chance to make it four from four and banish early season transfer disappointment and indifferent form firmly to the closest.

However, heading into the game, head coach Rafa Benitez is facing a forward selection head ache with Dwight Gale pining for a return to action.

Injuries and poor form has seen Gayle see his playing time reduced and the signing of Spanish forward Joselu has done little to help his cause, especially as the new man got his Magpies career off to a blinder netting against West Ham in a rampant win that sparked Newcastle’s unbeaten three match league run.

All may seem rosy for Benitez then, but Joselu’s inability to find the back of the net against Stoke despite a host of chances last time out was a severe warning that although he may be a useful player, a twenty goal a season man he is not.

What About Gayle?

It is hard to believe that the baby-faced attacker is 26 and he may feel he still has a lot to prove at Premier League level.

During last season’s promotion winning campaign he was simply stunning, firing in 23 goals and would arguably have finished the Championships top scorer but for an injury that saw him miss the run up to the end of the campaign.

However, the concern is that Gayle is a prolific Championship player but struggles to make the grade in the step up in division.

Only once has he ever reached double figures in the top flight (with Crystal Palace during the 2014/15 season) and in his two outings so far this campaign, he has failed to find the back of the net.

Two games are not a lot and unfair to judge him on so the question is, does he deserve another chance?

With Aleksandar Mitrović suspended for Sunday’s encounter, Gayle could prove the perfect foil especially against a side he knows well from last season in the Championship which makes it worth looking at both teams to score and win tips when placing a bet ahead of the game.

Yedlin Boost

Along with Benitez’s options up front, in defence, the Spanish manager finds himself delighted to have welcomed back American defender DeAndre Yedlin into the heart of his Magpies defence.

After missing the first month of the campaign due to a hamstring injury, the 24-year-old can expect to start on Sunday after playing the full 90 minutes in the win over Stoke, and game in which he played with assurance and sturdiness that will be needed against the Seagulls.

The former Seattle Sounder has slotted back into the Newcastle side well and after just 27 appearances in the Championship last season, will be hoping for a run of games that can show the Toon Army his true worth and forget his time spent with arch rivals Sunderland.

For now, at least, everyone is happy on Tyneside and there is little reason to suggest Benitez and co will not make it four out of four this Sunday.

2 thoughts on “Is it now Dwight Gayle’s time to shine?

  1. You’re absolutely right, apologies. We’ve changed it now.

    I:
    Bit of a risqué title with respect to current world events don’t you think?

      (Quote)

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