Newcastle United have accumulated two wins on the trot now to collect a decent lead of 5 points over Brighton & Hove Albion at the top of the Championship table. Under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, the black and white crop have looked like a side capable enough to get back to the top tier of English football and their current standing in the second tier is a testamentary reminder of the same. Another tough fixture awaits Benitez & Co. in the form of Reading, who are going to host them at the Madejski Stadium on 7th March.
Here is our Newcastle United predicted line-up to face Jaap Stam’s troops.
Defence
A resilient four-man defensive wall has been the cornerstone of the success the Geordies have clinched so far this season and against the Royals, we expect the central defensive pairing of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark to start the proceedings. The duo has been outstanding and to accompany them from the full-back slots, we expect Vurnon Anita and Paul Dummett to get a start once again.
Anita showed great composure against Huddersfield Town at right-back and on the other side, Dummett put his high calibre on display with his relentless toil throughout the game. Karl Darlow is seemingly likely to be stationed between the sticks once again. The 26-year-old pulled off some magnificent saves against the Terries in his latest league outing and another jaw-dropping game is expected from Darlow on Tuesday.
Midfield
In central midfield, Jack Colback and Jonjo Shelvey should be stationed to provide stability to the Magpies’ well-oiled midfield machinery. Christian Atsu has shown that he is more than a fringe player and should be handed another league start on the left wing. On the right wing, Benitez is likely to employ Matt Ritchie to bring a perfect blend of calmness and creativity.
Attack
Behind the striker, we expect Mohamed Diame to start. The former Hull City player knits the game spectacularly in the final third and ahead of him, we expect Dwight Gayle to start as the lone striker. Gayle scored a late goal at the John Smith’s Stadium with his superb outing after replacing Daryl Murphy to pull the game away from the home side. Now that the injury scare is behind him, the former Crystal Palace striker is back in the groove and is expected to start.
Predicted Line-Up
