Championship table-toppers, Newcastle United, host Rotherham United on Saturday, and would have to record another win in order to prevent Brighton from overtaking them again.
The Magpies would be without the league’s top scorer Dwight Gayle, for at least 2 weeks after he pulled his hamstring against Brentford last weekend.
However, there is a boost with the return of Jonjo Shelvey, while Hayden is also fit despite an injury scare last weekend.
In a clash between the two teams directly on the opposing ends of the log, here is how Benitez would likely line up his starting XI.
The English goalie was rested for Sels for Wednesday’s F.A Cup replay against Birmingham, but should return to his duty this weekend and hope to keep a clean sheet against the League One-bound opponents.
With Anita set to be out for few months, the U.S international should now be Newcastle’s undisputed starter for the role, and he would hope to put in solid performances in order to stake a permanent claim for the position.
The centre-back has been one of the division’s best defenders this season and would hope to put in another commendable performance come weekend after getting a deserved rest on Wednesday.
Newcastle’s skipper has had a few shaky outings of recent but still is one of the best players around.
He was an unused sub on Wednesday night and would be returning to action by the weekend.
The Welsh fullback has started all but 2 league games for the Magpies this term and remains a reliable defender who would help the club in their return to the top-flight.
A start awaits him on Saturday.
Jonjo announced his return from his 5-game ban with 2 assists in the 3-1 win over Birmingham on Wednesday night and to say the team has missed him would be an understatement.
The 24-year-old would hope to run the show again on Saturday.
The midfielder shook off an injury he picked up against Brentford to play 15 minutes in the midweek F.A Cup clash.
He should most likely get a nod to start against Rotherham to pair alongside the returning Shelvey in midfield.
With Atsu away with Ghana at the AFCON, the French winger has his berth all to himself, and following a brilliant performance which saw him score against Birmingham, it would be expected of him to put in another impressive outing on Saturday.
The Spaniard assisted twice last weekend and is already looking to make most of his opportunity with Diame away on international duty with Senegal.
Should get another nod for weekend’s clash.
Ritchie’s brace against Birmingham on Wednesday ensured Newcastle proceeded to the next rounds of the F.A Cup and the Scottish winger would look forward to adding to his 4 Championship goals on Saturday.
With Gayle out for the next 2-3 matchdays, the veteran Irish striker would most likely get the nod to replace the English striker in the lineup.
His winning goal against Brentford shows he is capable of doing a good job in front of the goal after all.
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