Newcastle United thrived well under pressure to sink Aston Villa’s ship by a comprehensive 2-0 win and eventually leapfrogged Brighton & Hove Albion to clinch the top spot in the Championship yet again. The Magpies have been the real deal this season and have shown their intentions quite clear to regain the Premier League days.
They face Bristol City on Saturday and would keep their fingers crossed to keep the momentum going win a win over Lee Johnson’s troops. Here is our Newcastle United predicted line-up to face Bristol City.
Defence
With the gloves between the sticks, we expect Karl Darlow to start. The 26-year-old has come out with a clean slate on 10 occasions in 23 appearances, making 2 saves per game and conceding merely 18 goals so far and thus, has cemented his stature as a trusted goalkeeper in the eyes of Benitez.
The backline should comprise of the resilient duo of Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles at the central defensive slots, with DeAndre Yedlin on the right defensive flank. On the other side, the ever reliable left-back in the shape of Paul Dummett should start the proceedings against the Robins.
Midfield
With a consistently performing midfield setup, the former Real Madrid boss is likely to go with the pair of Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback in the central midfield. Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran should start the game on the right and left wing, respectively.
Just behind the striker, Ayoze Perez is expected to start this weekend. The Spaniard has catered to the role of a no. 10 meticulously and Benitez would be hopeful that Perez’s fine run of form doesn’t cease to exist.
Attack
Dwight Gayle’s hamstring injury has come back to haunt the striker who has been a goal-machine for Newcastle United this season. He succumbed in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa and was pulled out of the game and reports have emerged that he could be out of action for a month, implying that the poacher’s role up front would make the white and black crop sweat.
Nonetheless, Aleksandar Mitrovic is likely to get a nod to fill the shoes of the former Crystal Palace striker. Mitrovic has, in the recent past, hasn’t been as good as Gayle but has the qualities of a decent backup and now that there is a paramount need to fill the crucial slot, he should up the ante as the league enters into its business end.
