Huddersfield v Newcastle - Match Preview

After last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Tottenham, Newcastle United head down to West Yorkshire to face fellow new boys Huddersfield Town. Another fixture selected by Sky, The Magpies will be eager to replicate last season’s hard-fought win against The Terriers. Wagner’s men got off to a flying start in their Premier League debut as they comprehensively beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park, a sign that they will not be cowed of the challenge that awaits this season.

It has been an uncertain and frustrating summer for Newcastle; with the enigmatic owner Mike Ashley refusing to back the manager, many fans fear Rafael Benítez will run out of patience and simply walk. The latest acquisition of Joselu from Stoke for £5M has bolstered options up top, but the jury is still out whether the 27-year-old will be a success at St. James’ Park.

On the other hand, Huddersfield opted to test the waters in the French market and signed Steve Mounié from Montpellier for a club-record £11.5M. The forward made a sublime start to life in the Premier League; bagging a brace last weekend and looking like a constant threat. The Geordies know they will have their work cut out on Sunday afternoon, as the home side look to avenge their 3-1 defeat to Newcastle back in March.

Benítez was dealt with a double defensive blow in their opening fixture against Tottenham; the club has confirmed that Paul Dummett and Florian Lejeune will be out for a “number of weeks.” Club captain Jamaal Lascelles will be looking to regain his spot and partner Ciaran Clark, but the interesting question will be on who will fill the vacant left-back spot? Both Lazaar and Haïdara are surplus to requirements, Yedlin not fully fit, so it could mean a Premier League introduction for experienced full-back Jesús Gámez.

Jonjo Shelvey will begin his three-match suspension following his red card, Borussia Dortmund loanee Mikel Merino is likely to be handed his full Premier League debut. Christian Atsu was arguably Newcastle’s best player last Sunday; the winger has improved by leaps and bounds under the guidance of Benítez and could be a key catalyst on the counter-attack.

The encounter at The John Smith’s stadium will be similar to when the two sides met back in The Championship. Possession football is key to David Wagner’s philosophy and the likes of Mooy and Billing will be pivotal in doing that. The outlets out wide are most likely to be Kachunga and Tom Ince – and with their tails up from their opening day victory – Huddersfield will be looking to press early on. However, the master tactician in Rafael Benítez outwitted his counterpart in March and will be hoping to do the same again.

The loss of Shelvey to suspension is a major setback. A player with undoubted ability that has all the tools to be a top international footballer, but his temperament has always been in question. It could, conversely, be a blessing in disguise. Mikel Merino has shown glimpses of what he can do on the ball and his aptitude in switching play. The Spanish Under-21 international is already highly regarded and played a major role in Albert Celades’ side in the Euro Under-21 Championship, as Spain lost 1-0 to Germany in the final.

Going forward, Steve Mounié will be much more of a difficult proposition to deal with than Nahki Wells, the latter currently nursing an injury and will miss the clash. The frailties in Newcastle’s left-back position could be something Wagner will look to target. Despite the criticism he receives – defensively – Dummett will be a miss, having already contained the likes of Ince and Kachunga last season.

Three points this season is going to be hard to come by, and this certainly is a fixture Newcastle will be looking at to take maximum points. Benítez has reiterated that it will be a difficult game against a “confident” Huddersfield outfit, but with the deleterious conjecture over his future this summer – positivity is required – it is essential that The Magpies start picking up momentum.

Potential NUFC XI (4-2-3-1): Elliot • Gámez, Lascelles, Clark, Manquillo • Merino, Hayden • Atsu, Pérez, Ritchie • Gayle