Newcastle’s fairytale run continues with yet another away win at Leeds last week. They have now collected 22 points from 9 away games, which is way more than other teams. It is time, we accept the fact that they are too good a team for the Championship.
They are 5 points clear at the top of the table with 40 points from 17 games. Their next game is against Blackburn Rovers, who are dwelling at the depths of the Championship table. Newcastle have the third best home record this season in the Championship (18 points from 8 games) and a win here might take them to the first place, which will make their league run pretty much perfect.
Undoubtedly, Newcastle United remain the favourites in this fixture, which will further cement their position at the top.
Defence
There is no way Benitez is changing the current setup unless he is forced to. We expect Karl Darlow to take his position as the goalkeeper. Benitez’s regular starters have been Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and DeAndre Yedlin. However, Anita started in the right back position ahead of Yedlin against Leeds and we expect him to start against Blackburn as well.
The rest of the back three look more or less permanent. 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. A suspension for Dummett is inevitable as he has already seen 4 yellow cards and it is just a matter of time before that happens. Ciaran Clark has been solid at the back, forming the backbone of the team.
Midfield
The Magpies have a vibrant midfield in the likes of Ritchie, Shelvey, Hayden, Colback, Atsu, Gouffran and more. It seems as if Rafa Benitez had prophesied their potential playing together and handpicked the lot.
We expect Benitez to start with the usual- Gouffran, Ritchie, Shelvey, and Colback. Jack Colback joined the list of midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and defender Paul Dummett and is also currently on 4 yellow cards. Benitez knows he will have difficult selections to make when they see another yellow and will be hoping he doesn’t have to deal with two first team midfielders’ absence at once. He still has Isaac Hayden to replace Colback as and when needed.
Attack
Benitez has a goal machine in Dwight Gayle, who has already scored 13 goals in as many games and it was his brace that won Newcastle the match at Leeds. All three strikers- Mitrovic, Dwight Gayle, and Ayoze Perez, are in good form, and Rafa has majorly rotated the front three from game to game.
