Newcastle are currently having a dream run. They are on a 7-match winning streak and it seems nobody can defeat them at the moment. They will be visiting Leeds, who are also having a decent season so far with 27 points from the opening 16 games. In their last 5 meetings, Leeds United have managed to win only 1 match against Newcastle.
Benitez will be looking for another win this week cementing their position furthermore at the top. It gets more embedded by the fact that Newcastle have collected 19 points from 8 away games, which is the most among all the Championship playing teams. Leeds’ home form, on the hand, has been poor comparatively, collecting only 14 points from 8 games.
Here’s how the Magpies could line up in the game.
Defence
After Newcastle United’s first choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot was ruled out with an injury Benitez started with Karl Darlow and he has since become an essential part of the team. He will start between the sticks. Having a deep squad, Newcastle have been able to rotate a lot this season. Benitez is expected to stick with his back four of Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and DeAndre Yedlin against Leeds.
Lascelles has been just outstanding this season already attracting attention from the likes of Chelsea. He has been very disciplined and composed at the back. Yedlin will continue to keep his right back position after his impressive work. Dummett will have to be careful as he has already seen 4 yellow cards.
Midfield
Newcastle United have seen quite a few goals coming from the midfield this season. In Ritchie, Shelvey, Hayden and Gouffran, Newcastle have a very talented midfield core of players, who take much of the load in the final third as well as at the back.
Newcastle United will be boosted by the return of Matt Ritchie who was serving 1 match ban after seeing 4 yellows. Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is also currently on 4 yellow cards but Benitez is well aware of his impact on the game and will play him. He has 3 goals and 5 assists so far from the midfield. Ritchie has also scored 4 goals. With the return of Ritchie, Atsu should take the bench. Yoan Gouffran has been superb with 3 goals and 3 assists.
Attack
Newcastle United have all strikers available and the three, Mitrovic, Dwight Gayle and Perez, are in good form, so Rafa will have a tough time choosing between them. Mitrovic is likely to start considering his international form as well and he’ll offer more physicality up front against what is a good defensive unit.
