Newcastle v Preston - Match Preview
Newcastle United are set to be promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking if they beat Preston on Monday night. In what has been a burdensome of a season, the Magpies will be glad to see the back of the Championship. Newcastle’s stuttering form has been a cause for concern, but they have already beaten Preston twice this season and the lack of significance for the Lancashire club in this fixture means Benítez’s men should head into the game with sheer optimism.
Without kicking a ball, Saturday afternoon results proved to be key in Newcastle’s quest for promotion. Huddersfield were thumped 4-1 by Fulham, whilst relegation candidates Nottingham Forest picked up a crucial win against Reading. Friday night saw Norwich beat already promoted Brighton 2-0, leaving the Geordies with an outside chance of claiming the Championship title, but one more win for Hughton will crown his side champions.
The last time these two sides met at St. James’ Park was in the EFL Cup back in October, and the Magpies ran out 6-0 winners, Mitrović and Diamé grabbing a couple of goals each that night. A 1-0 win will suffice this time around, however, keeping a clean sheet of late has been a problem. It is evident that the side has been missing Ciaran Clark, during his six-game absence, frailties in the back four has started to appear. The defender has returned to training and could make the squad, Dwight Gayle is still nursing a hamstring injury and is unlikely to be risked for the remainder of the season.
It’ll be interesting to see whom Benítez opts with to lead the line. Mitrović and Murphy are the only real contenders, the former scoring four goals already this season against Preston. The unwillingness to change the 4-4-1-1 formation has generated some criticism on Tyneside, and it wouldn’t be unjust in saying that both Diamé and Pérez have withered in the role of playing behind the main striker.
Preston have done well this season, and there was even talk of them having an outside chance of creeping into the playoffs, however, that hope has quickly diminished after recording three defeats in a row. The Lilywhites’ last away win stretches back to January against Burton, since then they have picked up five points on the road. Newcastle will have to deal with the threat of Thomas Barkhuizen, the 23-year-old forward has bagged six goals since his January move from Morecambe.
Simon Grayson will be weakened without the presence of Tom Clarke, Alex Baptiste, Ben Pearson and Greg Cunningham. Callum Robinson has managed ten goals and six assists this season, the pace and trickery he posses could be an issue on the counter-attack. Grayson prefers to play the conventional 4-4-2 formation which consists of regular starters Aiden McGeady and former Toon defender Paul Huntington. The mood with the Preston fans is that the players are already on their holidays and the remaining games are just a foregone conclusion.
It’ll be important for the Magpies to make a solid start on Monday night in order to settle any nerves. The game against Ipswich lacked conviction, but promotion is within touching distance, and the likes of Lascelles, Shelvey and Ritchie will need to step up if Newcastle are to cement their return to the top flight. One thing that won’t be missed in the Championship is the diabolical officiating and the FA’s incompetence when handling matters within this level. Referee Andy Madley will preside over the encounter at St. James’ Park, but despite being a self-confessed Huddersfield fan, the governing bodies and PGMOB don’t believe this to be a conflict of interest.
The choice is infuriating and laughable, but in all honesty, Newcastle should have enough to overcome any phantom decisions. Promotion beckons and deservedly so, only a finite number of teams have bounced straight back up after relegation. Granted, Benítez has the best team on paper in this division, but he also has to contend with the expectations, Mike Ashley and rebuilding a side that was totally disjointed. Gracias, Señor, we are almost there!
Potential NUFC XI (4-4-1-1): Darlow • Dummett, Mbemba, Lascelles (C), Anita • Atsu, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie • Pérez • Murphy
