Newcastle United are on course to not only bag an immediate return back to the Premier League but are also likely to clinch the Sky Bet Championship title. Rafael Benitez has ensured that his troops do not let the misery of last season in the top flight hamper their chances of getting promoted and the scenario has turned out completely in their favour, thanks to their strong resurrection this season.
However, the league is far from over and here is how the former Real Madrid boss should be using his starting line-up for the remaining fixtures.
Defence
In 28 league games that Karl Darlow has played, he has mustered 12 clean sheets and thus, there would be no reason why Benitez would want to alter his first choice goalkeeper as the league goes into its business end.
Right ahead of the 26-year-old custodian, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark should find themselves in the first team for most of the remaining fixtures, considering the fact that they have gelled well together.
DeAndre Yedlin is suffering from a hamstring injury, so on the right-back slot, Vurnon Anita should be a safe bet whereas on the left-back position, Paul Dummett has been absolutely fantastic this term and should be keeping his position. It would enable the Magpies to ensure that the perfect blend of attacking endeavours and defensive solidity from the back.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden is out with an ankle injury, Rolando Aarons with an Achilles tendon rupture. In the 4-4-1-1 formation, the pairing of Jack Colback and Jonjo Shelvey should continue to start the proceedings week in and week out from the middle of the park.
These two veterans have complemented each other, and have unarguably added solidity as well as flamboyance to Newcastle United’s midfield setup so far this season. On their right, Matt Ritchie should continue getting the nod and Yoan Gouffran’s industry and output mean he’ll be the first choice on the left.
Attack
While Ayoze Perez’s creativity from the no. 10 role has been notable, for he has 6 goals and 5 assists to his name already this season, Daryl Murphy should be leading the Toons’ line-up until Dwight Gayle returns.
The former Crystal Palace hitman has been frequently suffering from his hamstring injury and without any shadow of a doubt, Benitez’s side have looked pretty sluggish up front in Gayle’s absence.
Thus, this is how Newcastle United should be plotting their starting line-up more often for the remaining games.
