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Liam Kennedy’s Newcastle United XI v Brentford - with FIVE controversial changes

Liam Kennedy has picked his Newcastle United team to face Brentford - and he’s thrown in some surprise selections.

Liam Kennedy
By Liam Kennedy
Published 19th Nov 2021, 17:30 BST
Updated 20th Nov 2021, 10:32 BST
Joelinton of Newcastle United beats Marc Cucurella of Brighton & Hove Albion to the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United at American Express Community Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Brighton, England.
Joelinton of Newcastle United beats Marc Cucurella of Brighton & Hove Albion to the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United at American Express Community Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Brighton, England.
Joelinton of Newcastle United beats Marc Cucurella of Brighton & Hove Albion to the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United at American Express Community Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Brighton, England.

No win in 11 games, new manager - although he won’t be there due to a positive Covid test - and new optimism, of sorts. To prevent a status quo like performance, I think change is the order of the day at Newcastle United.

And even though I don’t believe Eddie Howe will go for wholesale changes, I would. Five, in fact.

Here’s the team I’d select against Brentford this afternoon, in a 4-4-2 formation.

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Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka

He might not be 100% match fit, but surely now is the time for the Slovakian international to return?
He might not be 100% match fit, but surely now is the time for the Slovakian international to return?
He might not be 100% match fit, but surely now is the time for the Slovakian international to return?

Right-back: Emil Krafth

With the want not to make too many changes, and Javier Manquillo’s increasing preference for costing United goals, I’m going for the Swede. He was OK at Brighton anyway so not a hard choice in a position with little to none.
With the want not to make too many changes, and Javier Manquillo’s increasing preference for costing United goals, I’m going for the Swede. He was OK at Brighton anyway so not a hard choice in a position with little to none.
With the want not to make too many changes, and Javier Manquillo’s increasing preference for costing United goals, I’m going for the Swede. He was OK at Brighton anyway so not a hard choice in a position with little to none.

Centre-back Federico Fernandez

Inexplicably left out of the matchday squad by Graeme Jones, he needs to return - and pronto.
Inexplicably left out of the matchday squad by Graeme Jones, he needs to return - and pronto.
Inexplicably left out of the matchday squad by Graeme Jones, he needs to return - and pronto.

Centre-back: Fabian Schar

Get his mind right, and tighten up the team around him - Schar can be a star in this United backline. Treat him right, unlike Steve Bruce, and he will deliver.
Get his mind right, and tighten up the team around him - Schar can be a star in this United backline. Treat him right, unlike Steve Bruce, and he will deliver.
Get his mind right, and tighten up the team around him - Schar can be a star in this United backline. Treat him right, unlike Steve Bruce, and he will deliver.

Left-back: Matt Ritchie

At left-back feels like a bit of a square peg in a round hole, but with cover in front of him and a more disciplined system, might just get away with it.
At left-back feels like a bit of a square peg in a round hole, but with cover in front of him and a more disciplined system, might just get away with it.
At left-back feels like a bit of a square peg in a round hole, but with cover in front of him and a more disciplined system, might just get away with it.

Right side: Jacob Murphy

Is a pacy threat down the right, with a killer delivery at times. He starts and then Miguel Almiron may replace later on.
Is a pacy threat down the right, with a killer delivery at times. He starts and then Miguel Almiron may replace later on.
Is a pacy threat down the right, with a killer delivery at times. He starts and then Miguel Almiron may replace later on.

Central midfield: Jonjo Shelvey

Eddie Howe has talked Shelvey up - and he will find out himself whether he can get a tune out of a player who blows hot and mostly cold at United.
Eddie Howe has talked Shelvey up - and he will find out himself whether he can get a tune out of a player who blows hot and mostly cold at United.
Eddie Howe has talked Shelvey up - and he will find out himself whether he can get a tune out of a player who blows hot and mostly cold at United.

Central midfield: Joe Willock

His legs are badly needed in this side and getting the best out of Willock could prove key for Eddie Howe.
His legs are badly needed in this side and getting the best out of Willock could prove key for Eddie Howe.
His legs are badly needed in this side and getting the best out of Willock could prove key for Eddie Howe.

Left side: Joelinton

A Marmite figure at United, but for me, I think he can do a job in this team. And I think he could add a physical presence on the left, and change easily with Allan Saint-Maximin when needed.
A Marmite figure at United, but for me, I think he can do a job in this team. And I think he could add a physical presence on the left, and change easily with Allan Saint-Maximin when needed.
A Marmite figure at United, but for me, I think he can do a job in this team. And I think he could add a physical presence on the left, and change easily with Allan Saint-Maximin when needed.

Forward: Allan Saint-Maximin

The talisman. I know plenty want him out on the left, but I think he can do more damage freed up further forward, without defensive shackles.
The talisman. I know plenty want him out on the left, but I think he can do more damage freed up further forward, without defensive shackles.
The talisman. I know plenty want him out on the left, but I think he can do more damage freed up further forward, without defensive shackles.

Forward: Callum Wilson

The main man. One of the only players whose name is in no doubt. Just need to hope he stays fit because Callum Wilson = goals. And Eddie Howe knows that.
The main man. One of the only players whose name is in no doubt. Just need to hope he stays fit because Callum Wilson = goals. And Eddie Howe knows that.
The main man. One of the only players whose name is in no doubt. Just need to hope he stays fit because Callum Wilson = goals. And Eddie Howe knows that.
Liam KennedyBrentfordEddie Howe