Midfield
Chiek Tiote was a surprise start in the Newcastle United midfield last FA Cup fixture and we expect the Ivory Coast international to start this time too. He didn’t get a call for the AFCON from the national team after barely seeing any action all season.
Jonjo Shelvey is expected to start in the middle. He has played the role of a regista quite brilliantly this season and his measured long balls are a delight to watch.
As much as Benitez wants to rest his best player, he would like to take the lead as early as possible. We don’t expect him to play the full game, though. Colback didn’t start the last game after falling ill and he is expected to be on the bench.
Young Daniel Barlaser is expected to take his position on the left wing. The right-wing’s position is heavily understaffed at the moment and we expect the ever-reliable Matt Ritchie to start on that side once again.
Attack
The 20-year-old Yasin Ben El-Mhanni had a decent game in the number 10 role last game against Birmingham and we expect him to continue playing in that role. Dwight Gayle’s hamstring has kept many fans with finger crossed.
The striker was in a superb form for the Magpies and in the case of a long-term injury, they will hugely miss him. Daryl Murphy had a brilliant game up front last weekend and we expect Benitez to stick with him.
Sels
Lazaar – Hanley – Findlay – Yedlin
Barlaser – Tiote – Shelvey – Ritchie
El- Mhanni
Murphy
