Harry Maguire will be available after been given time off, Jonny Evans should be ok after his hip problem. Jamie Vardy played through a muscle injury and should be ok again. Its too soon for Marc Albrighton and Daniel Amartey wont play again this season. So here is what I would go with Schmeichel Ricardo Morgan Maguire Chilwell Ndidi Tielemans Gray Maddison Barnes Vardy Subs- Ward, Soyuncu, Fuchs, Mendy, Choudhury, Ghezzal, Iheanacho
I think the team is really easy to choose except at centre half where all 4 defenders deserve to start. I wouldnt rush Evans back and dont want to see Soyuncu against Rondon so for me Morgan and Maguire get the shirts
What actually happened to Amartey? I never did read anything about what he actually did. The helicopter crash obviously overshadowed his nasty injury.
Rodgers has said that he wants to give Soyuncu game time so he might remain in the team - maybe in his more favoured right CB position so Magiure/Evans can play on the left side. How did Okazaki do when he came on and who played on the left side when Barnes went off for him vs Huddersfield? That probably is the only other change we might make.
I would be shocked it Okazaki started over Barnes. Why play someone who has no future here over someone who is developing? Shame atm everyone is playing really well except our wingers. Barnes has been very quiet and Gray keeps making the same poor decisions and snatching at chances
Brendan Rodgers has said both Jonny Evans and Jamie Vardy are fit and also said Marc Albrighton has looked very good in training
I am rather shocked Okazaki even played - I am curious why Rodgers would play him over the likes of Iheanacho who needs game time and confidence. Maybe Rogers does see a future for Okazaki here?
Rodgers has ruled out using Iheanacho in any role other then as and out and out striker. Okazaki hasnt ever played a striker. He has always played behind Vardy Brining Okazaki on seems a pointless exercise now. He offers nothing but work rate. Rather see Ghezzal come on as we need to know has he got something to suggest he is worth keeping around as a squad player. Or is he just surplus to requirements
Okasaki’s work rate does add something though. Plus he wins loads of free kicks. Now, if he is on with Maddison....
Ghezzal adds work rate We know what we will get from Shinji. His time here is over. Time to see what Ghezzal and Iheanacho can offer us
I disagree on Okazaki. It’s a reduce role but I don’t see why bringing him on isn’t still a potential asset
When was the last time Okazaki contributed to a goal? Love the guy and granted he doesn't get many minutes but has no effect these days despite running non stop. Agree we should be looking forward now. Generally when he comes on we are comfortable so don't understand his role really.
Wilf made the most last season aswell And for someone who couldnt tackle anything for the first few months of the season thats incredible from Ricardo
All our assets are under long term contracts so should be abit easier. With Brendan coming in along with the training ground 1 year away and expansion of the King Power stadium I think it won't be too hard to keep players unless stupid offers come in. Our biggest fight will be getting Youri Tielemans signed
It was all a cunning plan - keep those top 6 clubs from signing Tielemans/Maddison/Chilwell/maguire. That was awful. Thoroughly deserved win for Newcastle - could and should have been more.
As bad as anything this season, don’t think their keeper had anything meaningful to do. Giving the ball away, sloppy defensively. Honeymoon period worn off? With two games in hand from the teams just below it certainly looks to be game over as far as 7th is concerned