Who will lead the Magpies line at Bournemouth
After a crucial victory over Manchester United two weeks ago Rafael Benetiz has arguably an even bigger game this weekend as he takes his Newcastle United side on the long journey down to face Bournemouth.
Now Benetiz is faced with a headache selection on who should lead the line for this vital clash.
For the majority of the season summer recruit Joselu has played as a loan striker, however Dwight Gayle did impress in that excellent win over Manchester United.
Benetiz has the option of handing a debut to January recruit Islam Slimani after his loan switch from Leicester now the Algerian international is approaching full fitness., and has been training in Algeria during his time off.
A fourth and maybe less likely option is Ayoze Perez, the Spaniard who performed well as a central striker in the New Year’s Day win at Stoke City, so could Benetiz turn to Perez at the weekend.
Joselu, the summer signing from Stoke has been Rafa’s go to man this season. Although he’s struggled for goals this season he is still Newcastle’s top scorer this season, granted that is only with four goals.
However, you feel if Rafa sticks with the 4-2-3-1 formation that he has used for the vast majority of the season Joselu will be the man to start.
Dwight Gayle, the forward tore up the Championship last season scoring 23 goals as Newcastle sealed an immediate return to England’s top flight.
However, the former Crystal Palace forward has found the jump between leagues a test. Into the last third of the season Gayle only has 3 goals so far, this season.
Benetiz’s biggest criticism of Gayle this season has been his inability to play as a lone striker.
However, that said Gayle is a proven finisher and on most occasions if a chance presents itself to him Gayle will put it away.
Islam Slimani, the striker who arrived in a blaze of glory at Leicester for £29 Million, is now fighting to save his Premier League career.
After an impressive 48 goals in 82 league appearances saw him earn a move to the then champions Leicester.
However, he has failed to make an impact in the East Midlands scoring just 8 goals in a season and a half.
But, the Algerian International has been nursing a thigh injury that has meant he has not started a league game since New Year’s Day.
He should return to full training before the end of the week, but starting so soon after injury may be a risk.
Ayoze Perez Perez has spent to the vast majority of this season playing in midfield.
However, he could be a viable option up front for the Magpies for the last 2 and a half months of the season.
He was impressive as a central striker in the win at Stoke in January.
His goalscoring record for Newcastle is pretty reasonable 24 goals from 90 league starts.
Although his work rate can never be questioned, his strength on the ball leaves much to be desired so it remains to be seen whether Benetiz will field him as a lone striker again.
Credit to The Chronicle, The Daily Express, The Daily Mirror and The Mag for the imagery used in this article.