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Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez should consider dropping Jamaal Lascelles for the game against Manchester City on Tuesday evening, as the usually commanding centre-back has looked out of sorts recently.
On the chalkboard
The Magpies captain has simply not matched the standards he set last season so far this campaign, and has failed to inspire his teammates to better results to aid their fight against relegation – Newcastle currently sit in 17th place, just two points off the drop zone.
Lascelles was phenomenal last season, and you’d have bet your house on him retaining his position as the main man on Tyneside for the current campaign, but there is now a real case for the Englishman to be dropped.
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Magpies chief Mike Ashley oversaw the signing of Swiss centre-back Fabian Schar for just £3m back in the summer (per BBC), and the 27-year-old has been an immense addition. Schar recently scored two goals in one game in a crucial six-pointer against Cardiff, including a goal of the season contender, and has proven that he can be relied on as a dependable presence at the back.
Additionally, Florian Lejeune, who was outstanding last season before picking up a serious injury, is now fit again, providing Benitez with a real selection headache.
Take him out of the firing line
Lascelles, formerly of Nottingham Forest, has been relied upon for a while now as Newcastle’s star man, tasked with inspiring a team who have really struggled to score goals this season.
The 25-year-old was woeful last time out in the FA Cup loss to Watford, and one would assume that giving him a bit of a breather on the sidelines and letting him get himself together again would be the best course of action – even more so against a rampant City side who could well pour further misery on the Magpies’ defenders.
Benitez won’t want to admit defeat before a ball has been kicked, but their chances of a result against Pep Guardiola’s side are slim – he has Ciaran Clark, Lejeune, Federico Fernandez and Schar along with Lascelles to choose from to make up his trio of centre-backs, so Lascelles should be afforded a rest.
