Hands up if you are ready to fight for your place
RAFA THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET TO HIS SERBIAN STRIKER
RAFA Benitez wants Aleksandar Mitrovic to make a strong case for a place in his starting line-up against Liverpool this week.
Benitez has challenged the Serbian international to prove his worth in training with Mitrovic once again available after serving a three-match FA ban.
United striker Joselu missed a golden chance during the weekend defeat away to Brighton.
And, after the former Stoke City man squandered a trio of chances against his old club last weekend, Benitez may be pondering changes in attack.
Speaking about Mitrovic, Benitez said: “We will see.
“The competition will increase now, and I think that will be good for the team.
“We want to have all the players available and competing, and then they have to realise that is the way to have a stronger squad.
“Push, push and make sure they are ready to play.”
Benitez was also asked whether Jonjo Shelvey was ready to start a game with impressive loan signing Mikel Merino.
Shelvey and Merino ended the game on the field together and Newcastle looked much more of a threat.
Benitez added: “They (Shelvey and Merino) did well when they were playing together, but it depends on the game.
“It depends on the moment during the games.
“At Brighton it was a time when we needed to change something, and it was good for us.
“But it is a pity that with so much (possession) at the end, we have to create more chances and better chances and control things better.”