da apostaganha： Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle spell was initially about avoiding the Championship at all costs. Instead, he is leading one of the country’s most well-supported clubs in England’s second tier and, despite sitting in third, not having quite the domination of the division that the spending and prowess of the manager would suggest.
da betway： Three league defeats, including both the opening two games, have set the Magpies back significantly. A home loss to Wolves last weekend was the most surprising of the lot after their opponents had been drubbed in midweek. For all their investment and Premier League experience, it has not been plain sailing to date.
Benitez himself will be confident that his side will eventually stretch out a lead in the top two and avoid the freakish events of the play-offs.
Anything other than a comfortable promotion would be regarded as a disaster for Newcastle. Going back up is a sheer necessity.
Benitez, too, would take quite a hit to his CV if he were to fail. But here are THREE reasons it won’t come to that!
Organised victory
Currently playing a free-flowing, possession-heavy game, Newcastle’s style of football may not always be that way this season. Having a Champions League-winning manager means the club should be a step ahead tactically.
Should a time come when the defence needs reinforcing and midfielders become protectors rather than offensive runners, Benitez is the ideal man to implement it. Alternatives to the 4-2-3-1 are there in Newcastle’s squad, with striking additions enabling a two-man forward partnership either as an option from the bench or a regular starting system.
Managing the squad will play a significant part in this season, as with any Championship campaign and Benitez has all the nous to keep his players fresh, motivated and ready for a long, gruelling campaign.
Quality pays out
Newcastle’s squad is littered with Premier League calibre players. The Championship is constantly increasing in quality, but the squad at Benitez’s disposal has far too much experience and class for the majority of their peers this season.
In defence Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba are backed up by the reliable, experienced Grant Hanley and Ciaran Clark, while in midfield there are enough options to give Benitez several different shapes to pick from. Holding firm out of possession and maintaining shape will be as key as anything for Newcastle, even if they are to have the majority of the ball.
The 46-game Championship season can be an agonising one. Depth to a squad is needed and that, even more so than in the Premier League, will often prove to be the difference between promotion and midtable.
Creative sparks
Most importantly for a side that will see many teams operate in a low block against them, Newcastle have players able to pass through the lines or produce a remarkable piece of individual play.
In Jonjo Shelvey they have the league’s best passer, while Matt Ritchie and Ayoze Perez are going to prove consistent creators in the final third.
Goalscorers are present throughout the side, they have defenders capable at Championship level and a depth of attacking options that would put most Premier League clubs to shame. Add an immensely successful manager to that mix and you have a team that will, in time, walk their way to promotion.