Newcastle look to extend their unbeaten run with a trip to Derby.
Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle side head to Derby on Saturday night, as they look to make it four league wins on the bounce.
After a stuttering start, which saw back-to-back defeats, the Magpies have settled into Championship life. Their blip was well and truly over when they beat promotion rivals Brighton 2-0 just before the international break.
Derby are another team that have been touted as potential promotion candidates, but have struggled to get going this season under Nigel Pearson.
With Benitez’s side due at the iPro Stadium on Saturday, could this be the team the Spaniard selects?
Although he has been less than convincing in between the sticks, Matz Sels should continue in goal, and he gave an improved performance in the victory over Brighton.
Despite the arrivals of DeAndre Yedlin and Achraf Lazaar, the back four should also remain unchanged. Benitez has no reason to chop and change his defence, who kept a clean sheet in their previous game. While some have doubted the form of Paul Dummett, the left back should be favoured over the unknown quantity that is Lazaar, who arrived from Palermo this summer.
Bristol City’s Callum O’ Dowda in action with Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita
Anita has been impressive at right back, and appears to be one of Benitez’s favoured players, meaning the Dutchman should retain his place.
In front of the defence will be Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden, whose blossoming partnership has been a big part of Newcastle’s good form. Shelvey was sensational against Brighton, with his free kick wrapping up victory.
Another area where Benitez may be unwilling to experiment just yet is on the wings. Matt Ritchie’s position in the side is locked in, with the Scotland international proving to be one of the club’s best signings this summer.
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey celebrates with Matt Ritchie after the final whistle
A question mark remains next to the name of Yoan Gouffran, but the formerly exiled Frenchman has been a revelation since being reinstated, and should keep his place in the starting XI, despite new loanee Christian Atsu arriving on deadline day.
If this had been a home game, Benitez may have been inclined to go with two up top, where he has a plethora of options. Instead, with the black and white side on their travels, Mo Diame should keep his place in behind the striker, dropping into the midfield if Newcastle are under the cosh.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring their third goal against Reading
Up top should be a returning Dwight Gayle, who missed the Brighton game with a head injury. The former Crystal Palace striker has started brightly for Newcastle, scoring four goals so far. Benitez’s other options up top are Ayoze Perez, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy, but Gayle should get the nod after impressing before his injury.
Despite their struggles, Derby could prove to be a tricky opponent for the Magpies, who will have a host of options to turn to on the bench should things start to go wrong for Rafa Benitez.
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