Newcastle United will look to continue their dream run under Rafa Benitez when they host Cardiff City and will also hope that Brighton loses points as they are breathing down their necks at the top of the table.
Cardiff City have had a nightmarish start to their Championship campaign with just 15 points from the opening 15 games. They have managed to win only 4 games and have a whopping 8 losses. Based on form, it seems quite an easy game for the Magpies, who have won 11 of their 15 games and sit top of the table with 34 points.
They are currently on a winning streak of 6 matches and will look to keep it that way. Newcastle United have won 3 of their last 5 fixtures against Cardiff City and lost two. Hence, this looks unlikely to be a draw.
Defence
With Newcastle United’s first choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot out, Benitez had to rely heavily upon on Karl Darlow and he has been superb in that position. Having a deep squad, Newcastle have been able to rotate a lot this season. Benitez is expected to stick with his back four of Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and DeAndre Yedlin.
Lascelles have been just outstanding this season already attracting attention from the likes of Chelsea. He has been very disciplined and composed at the back. Yedlin will continue to keep his right back position after his impressive work. Paul Dummett will also start though he has already seen 4 yellow cards and would need to be more careful.
Midfield
A chunk of Newcastle United’s goals come from the midfield. In Atsu, Shelvey and Gouffran, Newcastle United have a very talented midfield core of players, who take much of the load at the final third as well up front, Benitez’s key plays clearly originate from there.
However, one major concern for Newcastle United would be the suspension of Matt Ritchie. He has been suspended after seeing 5 yellow cards and midfielders Jonjo Shelvey is on similar grounds. Benitez is well aware that he cannot afford to miss out on players at this crucial stage.
Ritchie has scored 2 goals and bagged 5 assists till now. He will be greatly missed and Benitez is expected to replace him with Christian Atsu.
Attack
Newcastle United have all their strikers- Mitrovic, Dwight Gayle and Perez is hot form and Benitez will have a tough time choosing from them. It’s likely to be Gayle who leads the line as he has a good burst of pace and has been confident in front of goal.
