da supremo： While their hosts are enjoying virtually a clean bill of health, Newcastle travel to Anfield this weekend with some injury concerns of their own. Jonjo Shelvey suffered a knee injury in the draw at Bournemouth, and is likely to miss the clash at Anfield.
da bet vitoria： Shelvey, capped six times for England, has enjoyed some fine form in recent weeks including a dominant performance in the win against Manchester United at St. James’ Park.
Mikel Merino has been mentioned as a possible replacement, but the 21 year-old Spaniard hasn’t really found his feet since a back injury he sustained in October. He certainly has an eye for a pass, and showed his potential to control a match at Dortmund, but has gone missing at times this season and hasn’t been the same since his injury.
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That leaves Isaac Hayden, Rafa Benitez’s utility man. Valued at £6.30million on Transfermarkt, Hayden has played in central midfield, defensive midfield and even once in central defence for the Magpies this season. Offering plenty of energy and certainly not afraid to get stuck in, Hayden could be the type of player Newcastle need to come away from Anfield with a result on Saturday.
There are rumours Shelvey may actually be fit enough to play, but given the nature of the injury it seems unlikely he’ll be rushed back with a relegation battle on the cards in the coming months. Hayden seems the obvious choice to disrupt Liverpool’s free flowing football, but Merino could be a bolder pick to help Newcastle get a foothold in the match.
So, Newcastle fans, who do you think should replace the injured Shelvey at Anfield? Let us know by voting below…