When Ipswich visit the Saint James Park on matchday 14 of the Championship come Saturday, the Magpies will hope to maintain their fine form following a run of 5 unbeaten league games – which has placed them at the top of the log in the division.
How will Rafa Benitez line up his men in order to help Newcastle retain their topmost spot?
GK – Darlow
The 26-year-old has been in goal for Newcastle for the last 4 league games after losing his berth to Sels at the beginning of the season. The English shot-stopper has kept 2 clean sheets in all 4 league appearances this term and can add another feather to his cap by keeping another one against Ipswich.
LB – Dummett
As usual, Newcastle’s undisputed left back will be expected to start in weekend’s game following a great game against Barnsley on Tuesday night. The Welsh defender has played 10 league games this term and can be counted on to put in a solid performance once again.
CB – Clark
In 8 appearances with Clark at the back, Newcastle have kept 4 clean sheets, and more will be expected from the Irish central-half who’s yet to get into the referee’s book this term.
CB – Lascelles
The 22-year-old skipper has ensured no goals entered his goal on 5 occasions this term and is already putting in impressive performances that will keep him on the edge of a national team call-up. The English youngster will no doubt help Newcastle return to the top flight and another great display should be expected from him against the visitors.
RB – Yedlin/Anita
It is a tough choice between Anita and Yedlin for the right back slot. It is upto the manager to decide who he wants in the starting line up.
CM – Shelvey
Jonjo has scored 3 goals and recorded 5 assists this term as he continues his great job of marshalling Newcastle’s midfield. However, he is a booking away from bagging a one-match suspension having accrued 4 yellow cards, and he must thread carefully against Ipswich.
CM – Hayden
The former Arsenal youngster has played 10 games this season with a goal and an assist to his name. While he still isn’t a permanent member of Benitez’s starting XI due to stiff competition from Jack Colback, the midfielder has been the most impressive of the 2 and could get another game against Ipswich.
AML – Gouffran
In 9 league appearances, the French winger has scored twice and assisted another, and he continues to prove his worth having missed the majority of last season’s campaign to injury.
AMC – Diamé
The powerful Senegalese has played behind the striker in all his 9 league appearances this term and has registered an assist. Having put in a great game against Barnsley the last timeout, the 29-year-old will be expected to make his 10th Championship appearance of the season against the 12th-placed Ipswich.
AMR – Atsu
The Chelsea loanee is beginning to stake a claim on a permanent spot ahead of Ritchie and having been rested due to his involvement with Ghana during the last international break, he is in contention for a starting spot come weekend.
CF – Gayle
With 11 goals in as many games this term, and back to back braces in his last 2 league games, the 25-year-old striker won’t stop firing on all cylinders. And will get continually deployed to help push Newcastle up a level with his goals.