Newcastle United could look to a returning midfield linchpin to end a two game winless streak in this weekend’s Championship clash with Derby County.
Having endured a rather frustrating series of results in recent weeks, Newcastle United will be looking to get back to winning ways against a potentially dangerous Derby County side – steered by former St James’ Park boss Steve McClaren.
Last week’s disappointing FA Cup exit to Oxford United was followed by a midweek draw against Queens Park Rangers – thus lending a sense of importance to this forthcoming encounter with Derby.
Read more: What happened to the last Newcastle United XI that faced Oxford?
Indeed, McClaren’s Rams have replicated Newcastle’s recent league form – with both sides winning three and drawing one of their last six Championship games.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is expected to name his strongest defensive line-up, meaning that goalkeeper Karl Darlow remains behind a back four of DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett.
Midfielder Jack Colback is not anticipated for consideration, rather, Benitez’s ‘double-pivot’ engine room berths being afforded to Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey.
Read more: The ‘Non-League to Premier League’ XI
The central midfield pair look set to be flanked by wingers Matt Ritchie, who has created the highest number of chances of any Newcastle player this season, and Yoan Gouffran.
With leading scorer Dwight Gayle still sidelined through injury, Benitez may well turn to the returning Mohamed Diame to provide the much needed power and dynamism sorely lacking against Oxford and noticeably QPR.
A Diame recall would not only see 33-year-old stand-in Daryl Murphy drop out of the side, but provide forward Ayoze Perez licence to play in a more advanced role in attack; in a move that would facilitate a much more fluid forward line with pace and strength – something associated with successful Benitez sides of yesteryear.
Here is our expected Newcastle line-up in full:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
