Howe must unleash “under the radar” NUFC gem, he can make a “massive difference”

Newcastle United face off against West Ham in the early Premier League kick-off on Saturday as they look to make it four wins on the bounce.

The Magpies have come out on top in all of their last three matches, beating Leeds, Everton and Aston Villa to lift them above the drop zone as it stands.

They beat Villa 1-0 in their last outing as Kieran Trippier’s deflected free-kick sealed the three points, although the full-back is now set to be out for a number of weeks through injury.

Will Eddie Howe look to make any changes outside of Trippier’s absence? Well, one player he must unleash from the start against the Hammers is left-back Matt Targett after he was forced to watch on from the sidelines against his parent club.

Should Matt Targett start?

The Englishman had a strong debut against the Toffees, making three tackles and interceptions, three clearances and creating one chance – per WhoScored. He got stuck in defensively and showed that he is able to add quality on the ball, which is something Newcastle fans may have expected given the reputation he arrived with.

Targett has a career average WhoScored rating of 6.90. This shows that he has maintained a high level throughout his career in the Premier League and Championship, which is why supporters may have big hopes for him.

Earlier this month, former Premier League forward Noel Whelan hailed the impact he can have on the Toon squad in the second half of the season, saying:

“He’s not the most glamorous full-back – but he’s solid, and that’s what they need right now.

“They’ve gone out there and identified that they need the balance between him and Kieran Trippier, and they’ve done it very swiftly and got great value out of a loan until the end of the season.

“I think he’ll make a massive difference for them, he’ll stiffen up that defence big time.”

Alan Hutton also previously claimed that Targett goes “under the radar” with his performances and these comments from former players highlight the left-back’s quality at the top level. He has proven, during his time at Southampton and Villa, that he can compete in the top-flight and the Magpies are now set to benefit from his talent, as he could make a “massive difference”.

That is why he should be starting at every available opportunity, of which this is one. Howe must pick him ahead of his other, albeit limited, options at left-back – such as moving Dan Burn there and bringing another centre-back in – and start him on Saturday.

AND in other news, ASM 2.0: NUFC must land deal for “beyond talented” flyer, he “impressed” Kylian Mbappe…