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.

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

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

Left-back: Matt Ritchie

Right side: Jacob Murphy

Central midfield: Jonjo Shelvey

Central midfield: Joe Willock

Left side: Joelinton

Forward: Allan Saint-Maximin

Forward: Callum Wilson

Related topics:Liam KennedyBrentfordEddie Howe

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