Yedlin And Hayden To Start – Predicted 4-4-1-1 Newcastle United Line-Up To Face Nottingham Forest

After their exit from the English Football League Cup on Tuesday, Championship leaders Newcastle will now turn their full attention to the league and attempt to maintain their 2-point lead on top of the table when they visit The City Ground to square off against Nottingham Forest on Friday evening.

A shocking loss to Blackburn Rovers away from home last Saturday saw their 5-point gap over the 2nd placed Brighton reduce to 2, and they will hope to get their 14th win of the season at the expense of the hosts’ 7th. The unlucky and undeserved loss to Hull on Tuesday night should definitely serve as much needed inspiration for this clash.

And having rested some of his charges in the midweek clash, here is how Benitez could line his men up on Friday as he goes all out for all 3 points.

Formation : 4-4-1-1

GK – Karl Darlow

The English shot stopper should return to action having been rested in the EFL Cup clash against Hull.

Sels didn’t really do spectacularly enough against the Premier League side to force himself back into first team reckoning for Championships games.

LB – Paul Dummett

The 25-year-old Welsh full-back has only been unused once in the league this term, starting 16 and coming on as a sub once.

Newcastle’s number 3 should return to the starting XI on Friday after being rested on Tuesday.

CB – Ciaran Clark

The Irish defender has continually played a big role in Newcastle’s title and promotion aspirations this term and remains a mainstay in their defence.

Should make his 14th Championship appearance against Forest.

CB – Jamaal Lascelles

The young English central half and Toons’ skipper has played every league game bar one and was also amongst Tuesday’s lineup.

Definitely set for another start at The City Ground.

RB – DeAndre Yedlin

The U.S.A international seems to have established himself as Benitez’s favourite for the position ahead of the versatile Anita and looks very likely to be handed another start.

LW – Yoan Gouffran

With 3 goals and 2 assists, the 30-year-old French winger has been in great form for Newcastle this term, playing 14 games of all 18.

Another start awaits.

CML – Isaac Hayden

The English youngster has been chosen ahead of Jack Colback in recent games, including the last clash and has made 12 starts and 4 as a sub.

That could yet be the case on Friday night.

CMR – Jonjo Shelvey

The England international has unarguably been Newcastle’s most influential player this season, playing all of their 18 Championship games.

Has weighed in 3 goals and 5 assists, and should continue his fine form against Nottingham.

RW – Ritchie

The experience of the Scottish winger has been preferred over Atsu’s relative level of experience, and both should taste action on Friday, with the former starting.

CAM – Ayoze Pérez

The Spaniard was rested entirely on Tuesday and wasn’t included on the substitution list.

The 23-year-old has 3 goals and 2 assists in 14 league games thus far.

CF – Dwight Gayle

Newcastle’s and Championship’s highest goal scorer should be looking to increase his tally from 13 when the team plays Nottingham Forest.