PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Christian Atsu – Ghanaian preparing for crunch relegation clash

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Mar 26, 2018. 13:00

Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu will spend this week preparing for Newcastle United’s crunch relegation six-pointer against Huddersfield Town.

The Magpies will host the Terriers at St James’ Park on Saturday, 31 March, with both teams looking for a win which will see them take a major step away from the danger zone.

Newcastle are placed 13th on 32 points, with Huddersfield in 15th on 31 – the relegation zone starts with 18th-placed Southampton on 28 points.

Atsu’s side claimed a massive win earlier in the month when they beat the Saints 3-0, but they cannot afford to let up in their battle against the drop.

Atsu will be hoping to make the starting XI, but given that his replacement in the side – on-loan Brazilian winger Kenedy – scored two goals in the win over Southampton, the Ghanaian will likely have to settle for a place on the bench.

The 26-year-old Black Stars attacker has made 26 Premier League appearances this season, chipping in with two goals and two assists.