It will be quite a monotonous fixture for Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle as they have to play Preston North End twice in the space of 3 days. First, they will play in the League Cup over the midweek and another in the Championship next weekend. Newcastle United are currently league leaders with 31 points in their opening 14 games of the season.
Benitez is now experiencing a phase where nothing is going wrong for the team. His men are currently flying high in confidence after a season to forget in the Premier League last year when they were relegated.
However, Benitez will look to rest players in the midweek fixtures as they have to keep their top position in the Championship table. They don’t want to lose it to Brighton, who are breathing on their necks with 28 points from 14 games.
Defence
With the other goalie, Rob Elliot, out due to injury, Rafael Benitez is expected to stick with Karl Darlow, who has shown brilliant display between the sticks after taking over from Sels.
Benitez has a deep squad and we are expecting the Spaniard to keep a mix of first and second team players at the back line like he did against Wolverhampton Wanderers last year. He started with Lazaar at his left back position. With Paul Dummett standing on the slim edge of 4 yellow cards, Benitez will opt to rest him.
In their last game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Benitez made some changes from the first team. Their captain, Jamaal Lascelles will be given rest and Benitez would bring in Grant Hanley. Deandre Yedlin could continue to keep his right back position when they face Preston North End. Ciaran Clark could be the other centre back. Chancel Mbemba might also get a first team call.
Midfield
With Jonjo Shelvey also walking on thin ice due to 4 yellow cards, Cheik Tioté and Isaac Hayden should start in that central midfield. They could be a perfect blend of defence and creativity up front. Jack Colback, who received a yellow card against Ipswich Town over the weekend is predicted to be rested by Benitez to play again in the next Championship game.
Mohamed Diame is expected to take his place behind the striker. Yoan Gouffran is also expected to start at the left wing with Christian Atsu on the right. Matt Ritchie is another of the Benitez’s men, who is on 4 yellow cards, so he is not expected to be risked.
Attack
Considering Dwight Gayle’s hot form in the Championship, Benitez should rest him against Preston North End over the mid-week giving a place to Daryl Murphy.
