Rafael Benitez’s side host Brentford as the Championship returns following the international break.
With the international break now over, Newcastle can turn their attentions back to the Championship as they prepare for a tricky home tie against Brentford.
Some of Benitez’s squad spent the break representing their countries, and players like Aleksandar Mitrovic certainly gave his club boss something to think about, scoring twice in Serbia’s 3-2 win over Austria.
As they welcome Brentford to St. James’ Park, could this be the team Benitez selects as he looks for three wins on the bounce?
Karl Darlow has started the previous two games in place of Matz Sels, and should keep his place ahead of the Belgian.
In defence, it should be the same back four that shut out Rotherham before the international break. Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles are creating a strong partnership, while DeAndre Yedlin’s travels to the USA might convince Benitez to rest the American and stick with Vurnon Anita.
Despite scoring a wonder goal against Rotherham, Christian Atsu will likely return to the bench, with Matt Ritchie returning to the starting line-up. The Scot has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season, and it would be a shock if he does not make the starting XI for the second game in succession.
After making his England Under-21s debut, Isaac Hayden could come back into the Newcastle team, having been replaced by Jack Colback in the previous two games. One man that will definitely be chosen is Jonjo Shelvey, who has made the Magpies tick this season.
Up top, Mitrovic’s international heroics should see him rewarded with a start at St. James’ Park, and the Serbian could start for the first time alongside Dwight Gayle, who will still be feeling confident after his hat-trick against Norwich.
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