Predicted Newcastle starting XI to play Norwich

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Newcastle host league leaders Norwich City to St James’ Park.

Newcastle United host Norwich City in their next Championship game, where they will hope to close the gap between themselves and the league leaders.

Alex Neil’s men went top of the table at the weekend, while Newcastle could only draw with Aston Villa, despite having a host of chances to kill the game off and claim all three points.

Instead the Magpies conceded a late equaliser and had to settle for a point, leaving them in fifth place, four points behind their next opponents.

In what will be a huge game at St James’ Park, what side will Rafael Benitez pick to take on Norwich?

Despite criticism from fans, Benitez will surely keep faith in his goalkeeper Matz Sels, who continued his difficult introduction to English football at Villa Park. Benitez’s other option is Karl Darlow, who has played in both cup games for Newcastle this season, keeping back-to-back clean sheets in the process.

DeAndre Yedlin was impressive before being forced off with an injury against Villa, but should return int time to line up against Norwich, with Vurnon Anita still out due to suspension.

The man of the match performance from Ciaran Clark should keep him in the team, alongside captain Jamaal Lascelles. Paul Dummett will likely continue at left back, with Benitez unlikely to risk giving Achraf Lazaar his first Championship start in such an important game.

The midfield four should remain unchanged, meaning width will be supplied by star player Matt Ritchie and the rejuvenated Yoan Gouffran, while Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey will pull the strings in the middle of the park. Cheick Tiote made a substitute appearance in the draw at Villa, but will be lucky to find himself on the bench again, never mind in the starting XI.

Up front is where we could see the biggest change to the Newcastle line up. Dwight Gayle played as a lone striker against Villa, with Mo Diame playing just behind him. This pair is yet to click, and Benitez could opt to rest both summer signings and go with two strikers to face the Canaries.

The chemistry between Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic helped Newcastle put six past QPR earlier in the season, and Benitez could look at those two to get the goals against a strong Norwich side. Another option is the experienced Daryl Murphy, but the Irishman is yet to appear in the Championship in black and white.