After an impressive season last time around, Newcastle United played found themselves back to the league they belong. However, their return to the zenith of English football has not gone according to plan and although they had enjoyed a decent start to their new English top-flight campaign, things are now pretty tough at the club.
After a passive start, they fared well and slowly come back to their regular grind. Things have fallen apart since for the Magpies and they are suffering from the tenacity of the English league. They are now 16th in the league. They have collected just five of the last 24 possible points. They are still just one point off the relegation and relegation now looks a possibility.
Their 2-3 positive result against West Ham United was a crucial three points for them with the Magpies overtaking fellow strugglers West Ham United and it will give them a huge boost going into the second half of the season. However, they were unable to back it up and could only manage a 0-0 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion. In a league where results after each match week can send a club relegation to top ten, Newcastle will have to continue their fight if they wish to stay afloat this season.
With the January transfer window coming up, Newcastle will look to seek redemption in the market after failing to register quality, new players in the summer. Rafael Benitez has made no secret of the fact that Newcastle United need new players. However, with Newcastle unable to sell their existing crop of players, Newcastle has had to deal with a stagnant squad and that has frustrated Benitez.
As for the upcoming fixture against Stoke City, he will be stuck with the team he has as no immediate signing has been signalled and here is how he will look to set them up for the match.
Formation: 4-4-2
Defence
Robert Elliot can be expected to return to the goal after Karl Darlow played against Brighton.
DeAndre Yedlin will be positioned in right back with Paul Dummett at left-back. 28-year old Ciaran Clark along with Jamaal Lascelles will be expected at the heart of Newcastle United defence.
Midfield
A midfield quartet of Christian Atsu on the left, Matt Ritchie on the right, with Henri Saivet and Mikel Merino will be expected to play for the match against Stoke.
Attack
Ayoze Perez will be playing in behind Joselu as the two forwards for Newcastle United with Dwight Gayle likely to come off the bench.
