The Magpies are unsurprisingly doing well in the familiar territories of the English Championship. It’s widely believed they would bounce back to the top-flight at the first time of asking after relegation last season.
At the moment, after 11 rounds of games, Benitez men sit in 3rd place, 2 points behind surprise leaders Huddersfield. The stats haven’t been bad. Recording 7 wins, a draw and 3 losses after losing some of their key players is a pointer that the St James’ Park outfit are still a good side.
As they attempt to come out tops after a gruelling season which will see them play 46 league games, squad rotation is necessary to keep everyone is shape. And that’s what Rafa has been doing, but he has his choice starting XI and provided every one of them is fit, here is how they lineup.
Formation – 4-5-1
GK – Karl Darlow
Having established himself as the side’s 1st choice in between the sticks following Tim Krul’s injury last season, Karl has held on to his starting berth this term. And the fact that summer signing Matz Sels, who arrived from Gent in July, has always been a strong competition keeps him on his toes
LB – Paul Dummett
The Welsh defender has played 10 games for Newcastle in the league this term already, and his overall defensive contributions have been excellent.
CB – Jamaal Lascelles
The English youngster took over as captain from the departed Sissoko, and to say that he has been a great leader will be an understatement. Chancel Mbemba and Grant have provided him stiff competition thus far.
CB – Clark
The former Aston Villa central half, who can also be deployed on the left has proven to be a good signing for the 4-time Championship champions. Clark is a regular name on the starting sheet and has been the key to their compactness at the back – one which has seen them concede just 10 goals in 11 games.
RB – Yedlin
The United States international full-back and winger has settled well into life at the side after arriving from Sunderland this summer. He played a huge part in the Black Cats relegation survival last term but was released after his loan term from Tottenham expired.
CM – Shelvey
If the England international and former Swansea midfielder has any regrets over leaving the Welsh club in January only to get relegated to 2nd division a few months later is unknown. But Jonjo has been the creative force in the heart of Newcastle’s 5-man midfield and is expected to help push them back to the 1st division.
CM – Colback
The former Sunderland midfielder definitely wants to see Newcastle return to the EPL having watched helplessly as they sank to the bottom last term. He has been an integral member of the team thus far.
CAM – Diamé
Despite guiding Hull City back to the top flight last season by getting the only goal in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday, the Senegal international chose to remain in the Championship by joining Newcastle.
They say lightning never strikes twice, but it could when he helps the club’s promotion ambitions come true at the end of the season. His work on the pitch says it all.
AMR – Gouffran
The veteran forward has been deployed mostly on the right this term and has managed to score twice in 6 games despite his fitness issues.
The French winger could only play 8 times last term, and Benitez will be hoping he gets fully fit as the campaign goes on.
AML – Ritchie
The winger arrived from Bournemouth during summer and has contributed his quota with a goal in 6 league games.
CF – Gayle
The former Crystal Palace striker spearheads Newcastle attack and has been firing on all cylinders so far.
In only 8 league games, he has scored 7 goals and he’s the joint 2nd highest goalscorer. If he continues to bag the goals, an imminent EPL return is inevitable for the Magpies.