The Championship season has gone pretty much as per the plan for Newcastle United as not only an automatic promotion spot seems to be on the cards but the likelihood of them lifting the second tier league silverware implies that they are going in the right direction after being demoted from the Premier League.
Even after a goalless stalemate against Jaap Stam’s Reading, Newcastle United still have a lead of three points over second placed Brighton & Hove Albion and are due to face Fulham at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Here is the predicted line-up with which Rafael Benitez would likely go into the game against Fulham.
Defence
Karl Darlow should be starting under the bar yet again. The 26-year-old has been quite resilient with the gloves and in 26 appearances, Darlow has collected 11 clean sheets and made 53 saves, thus imposing himself as an irreplaceable element in the Geordies’ line-up this term. Just ahead of the goalie, we expect a four-man defensive wall, comprising of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett and Jesus Gamez.
The duo of Lascelles and Clark has made Newcastle United’s defence unbreakable, more often than not, and Benitez should be starting with them at the heart of his defence against the Cottagers. In the right full-back slot, we expect Gamez to start once again, considering that he did look good against the Royals. On the other side, Dummett should be starting the proceedings.
Midfield
To oil the midfield engine of the Magpies, we expect the veteran pairing of Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback to find a place in the starting line-up. While the former aids in the attacking endeavours of the troops, the latter cushions the backline in a very meticulous manner and dominates possession in the middle of the park.
On the wide areas on the right, it is seemingly likely that we will see the industry of Matt Ritchie whereas, on the left-wing, we should expect to see Yoan Gouffran fetching a strong attacking tooth to the black and white crop.
Attack
Ayoze Perez’s creativity should enable him to get another start behind the striker in the no. 10 slot to rattle the resolute defence of the London based outfit. Daryl Murphy didn’t have a good outing against Stam’s side and he could be dropped for implementing Dwight Gayle up front to cater to the striking needs of his side.
