The Championship is well and truly on, with the games coming thick and fast. The league is becoming clearer with respect to the standings of different teams. There have been a couple of surprise stories as well as shocks in this early part of the season. Wigan currently find themselves bottom and might end up in League One after playing some sparkling football in the Premier League a couple of seasons ago. Leeds United gave an early season scare but have partially recovered and are currently in the 12th spot.
Huddersfield have played some exquisite football led by Manchester City loanee Aaron Mooy and are in the second spot behind Norwich City.
We are concerned about Newcastle United at this moment and incidentally the Magpies face Norwich City tomorrow, who currently occupy the position that Newcastle will be expected to be in, come the end of the season. Newcastle United were the bookies’ favourite to top the Championship this season, mainly due to the presence of Rafa Benitez on the hot seat and their ability to allure top players despite being in the 2nd tier.
They had a satisfying transfer window where Rafa visibly went after British players to form a core who would have the stomach for the gruelling Championship season. But there was an anti-climactic start as they lost their opening couple of games but the quality of the squad ensured that the tables were turned just in time before panic could set in. The Magpies went on a 5-match winning streak which pushed them right into the melee at the top of the table. The dream run has stuttered slightly in the last couple of games with a loss against Wolves followed by a draw against Aston Villa. The latest reverses have put them in the 5th spot but they have a solid base now, from where to launch their Top 2 bid.
After a draw against Villa, which came late, Rafa Benitez’s side will look to resume their march and it’ll be another tough clash against Norwich. The gaffer could stick with the same lineup, considering how well they played. The Magpies should’ve wrapped up the result but had to rue their missed chances.
They will have to contend with a strong Norwich City team who know the Championship well having gained promotion in 2015 under the battling Scottish boss Alex Neil. The Canaries are hard to break down and also provide a threat at the other end of the pitch. There is a common conception that the first goal at St.James’ Park is the vital one. But Rafa Benitez is trying to change that culture. Of course, he’d take an early goal every week at SJP but this game will also be about patience.
T4O’s Predicted Newcastle United Line-UP Vs Norwich City (4-4-1-1)
