With Kenedy unable to play this Sunday, with Chelsea being his parent club, we could see another player who has Chelsea connections, Christian Atsu, drafted into the starting eleven.
Atsu, ahead of the game, has taken to social media to offer his thoughts:
Former @ChelseaFC winger @ChristianAtsu20 has been looking ahead to Sunday's game against his old club.
Read more: https://t.co/MiPV1XJkQT #NUFC pic.twitter.com/4oaFNgKwvM
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 24, 2018
As you’d expect, any social media comments prompts a variety of responses:
then compete and win! bring the first 3pts to SJP!! you guys did great in the last game against Chelsea. win!!!
— NixaMattR (@NixaMattR) August 24, 2018
A nice 3 points would be great ????
— Samantha Rees (@rees_samantha) August 24, 2018
It would, and further postings suggest that Newcastle could be set to carry on their fine recent home record against the West London side:
No a easy win is scoring on a last minute penalty. Lol. Come on Nufc. We got this one.
— ☆Rob H. 44☆ (@Kaptain420) August 24, 2018
2-1 Newcastle.
— thereal andrew young (@temperamentalan) August 24, 2018
However, returning to Atsu, it’s fair to say that the player has yet to live up to the reputation he once had as an emerging young talent, prompting the following:
Sorry atsu but you haven't proved you are of pl quality but I hope you can prove me wrong
— max powers (@tonydenslow) August 24, 2018
Could Kenedy’s absence be the perfect opportunity for Atsu to provide the level of performance we’ve been expecting since he joined Newcastle United?
Could one mans’ misfortune provide another with a golden chance to impress?
Here at Vital Newcastle, we’re certainly hoping so.