After a rocky start to the season, Newcastle United look to be back on track in their pursuit for the title after winning back-to-back Championship games against Reading and Bristol City.

Their attentions will now turn to the EFL Cup, where they face League Two newcomers Cheltenham Town at St James' Park.

Rafael Benitez could see the EFL cup as an opportunity to be a surprise package, as they certainly have a squad that is capable of going far in the competition.

Benitez is unlikely to make many changes to his squad for the second round tie, as he would like to keep the momentum going within his side.

Cheltenham are still without a win in League Two after drawing to Leyton Orient, Mansfield and Carlisle in League Two, but picked up a credible victory over League One promotion contenders Charlton Athletic in the previous round of the cup.

Newcastle could be too strong to handle for the League Two side and should comfortably beat the Robins.

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams predicts the line-up that will smash Cheltenham Town.......

 

GK – Matz Sels

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The 24-year-old has started all of Newcastle’s games this season, and Benitez has backed his goalkeeper to adjust quickly to life in the Championship after a summer move from Gent.

However, despite Newcastle’s first clean sheet of the season against Bristol City, Sels was criticised by supporters over his handling of crosses from the opposition.

Benitez is expected to keep Sels in-between the stick for him to gain more match time.

LB – Ciaran Clark

Ciaran Clarks

The former Villa man has had an average start to his Newcastle career, and played at an unusual full back position last week.

Clark has played the full 90 minutes against Bristol City and Reading and has provided a mixed opinion in a black and white shirt.

Benitez is likely to take a look at Clark in the EFL Cup and wants to see how he deals with a League Two attack force.

CB – Jamaal Lascelles

Lascelles

Before kicking off this season as Newcastle captain, Jamaal Lascelles had only previously started 10 league games for the Magpies.

Playing alongside Chancel Mbemba, the two centre-backs put in a handful of decent performances at the end of last season, and are continuing that into the Championship campaign over the last few weeks.

Lascelles was dropped for the Reading game, but came back in at the weekend and proved how big of a player he was.

Bristol put a large amount of pressure on Newcastle in the second half and Lascelles dealt with it extremely well.

CB – Chancel Mbemba

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Despite the club’s defence being shambolic last year in the Premier League, the signing of Mbemba significantly improved the back-four and he could be a big player for the Magpies this season.

He is very composed and is a no-nonsense defender and I don’t see much getting past him in the second round of the competition.

 

RB – Vurnon Anita

Vurnon AnitaVurnon Anita

Anita has recently slotted in as Newcastle’s full back over the last few games, which many would see as an unfamiliar position for the player.

Benitez admires Anita’s versatility and he will surely continue in his spot against Cheltenham Town.

The diminutive Dutchman tirelessly gives his all for the cause, and Benitez trusts him - but there has been questions whether Anita can play at right back all season.

CM – Issac Hayden

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The former Arsenal midfielder Hayden moved to St James' Park this summer and has already become a hit with fans, after winning the man of the match against Reading during their 4-1 win.

He showed real signs of a quality player last year, while on loan with Hull City and could be a big player for Newcastle United this term.

He creates chances and continues to get the game flowing, and he will prove too strong in the centre of the park for Cheltenham.

CM – Jack Colback

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Colback was recalled to the Newcastle midfield at the weekend and played fairly well in the centre of the park.

He is expected to keep his place tonight as he allows the club’s other players to express themselves in the final quarter.

He will be looking to break down any Cheltenham attacks and ensure that they don’t receive a cup shock.

LAM – Matt Ritchie

Matt RitchieMatt Ritchiedd

Ritchie is already showing signs of his quality after an excellent first goal against Reading.

He is technically a very good player, and should not be playing Championship football.

He had a brilliant season for AFC Bournemouth last season and it seems like he has quickly gelled in the Newcastle line-up.

 

CAM – Mo Diame

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The Senegal midfielder dominated the midfield battle at Ashton Gate and laid on the winner for Dwight Gayle, with a perfect pass over the top of the City defence.

He is not 100% fit yet, and is expected to be given the chance to improve his fitness against the Robins.

The former Hull midfielder has indicated that he is hungry to succeed at St James' Park, and I expect him and Gayle to run the Cheltenham defence ragged.

RAM –  Yoan Gouffran

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The French winger has been brought into the Newcastle limelight after starting the last two games for the Magpies.

The 30-year-old forward had been expected to depart Tyneside this summer, given that he has less than a year left on his Magpies deal.

The former Bordeaux man had failed to make a single competitive appearance during Benitez’ United tenure until he created two goals to help Newcastle to a 4-1 victory over Reading on Wednesday night, and played well at the weekend.

ST – Dwight Gayle

Dwight GayleDwight GayleDwight Gayle

The striker is now showing why Rafael Benitez paid for his services after netting his fourth goal in three games, to be the current top scorer in the Championship.

His pace and creativity will cause major problems for the Cheltenham Town defence and I expect him to be amongst the goals.

Newcastle fans.. Is this the side to beat Cheltenham comfortably in the cup? Should Benitez stick with the same side from the weekend? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!