Newcastle United are about to kick off versus Everton today at St. James’ Park and take a quick look at what we think will be the starting XI.
The biggest question of todays lineup is probably wether Steve McClaren will start with Perez or De Jong.
We know Perez works well with Mitrovic and recently grabbed a goal of his own vs Tottenham and became the hero of the day. However, De Jong may well start to get into his stride and McClaren will probably give him another chance and see if he can’t get that goal is so badly missed against Aston Villa.
Newcastle miss a true playmaker to thread those passes through to our striker or others running into the box. De Jong can be that playmaker, but he needs the chance to establish himself. He’s put Newcastle United supporters a bit at loggerheads when it comes to his performances and what he actually does for the team.
I don’t question his quality and I think he will come through, but I think the team will have to look much different for him to do so.
So what will McClaren go for? Stability in De Jong or the energy in Ayoze Perez?
This is what we think it will look like.