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

Liam Kennedy
By Liam Kennedy

Editor of NewcastleWorld

Published 19th Nov 2021, 17:30 GMT
Updated 20th Nov 2021, 10:32 GMT
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. | Getty Images
Liam Kennedy has picked his Newcastle United team to face Brentford - and he’s thrown in some surprise selections.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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? | Getty Images

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. | Getty Images

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. | Getty Images

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. | Getty Images

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. | Getty Images

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. | Getty Images

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. | Getty Images

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. | Getty Images

Left side: Joelinton

Forward: Allan Saint-Maximin

Forward: Callum Wilson

Related topics:Liam KennedyBrentfordEddie Howe

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice