Newcastle United will look to go third in the Sky Bet Championship when Norwich City arrive in the North-East this evening, with a win set to catapult them back into the promotion picture.
The Magpies were defeated 2-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers during their last home game in the league and boss Rafa Benitez will be keen to secure a valuable three points this evening.
At times this season Newcastle have looked irresistible on the pitch but consistency will be something that Benitez is hoping to achieve between now and the end of the campaign, with promotion the minimum expectation for the Magpies this season.
After signing a glut of new players during the summer, Newcastle might look to offload certain players during the next transfer window in an attempt to balance the books.
Football League World writer Lee Clarke takes a look at three players who Newcastle fans might be waving goodbye to during January.
Jack Colback
The midfielder was signed from fierce rivals Sunderland in 2014 but has not featured regularly under Rafa Benitez.
The 26-year-old was not in the squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa and he could be one player who departs St. James’ Park during the January transfer window.
Colback has completed the full 90 minutes just twice this season and hasn’t featured for the Magpies since a 2-0 win over Derby County at the start of September, with boss Benitez clearly favouring other players more in the middle of the park.
Rob Elliot
The Newcastle United stopper was in fine form last season before a serious knee ligament injury curtailed his run in the side.
The Republic of Ireland stopper is yet to recover from his knee injury and his first-team opportunities could be limited when he does return.
Elliot is set to return before January which could aid his chances of leaving during the transfer window, either on loan or permanently depending how Rafa Benitez sees fit.
Matz Sels has been the regular number one this season, whilst ex-Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Karl Darlow has provided adequate backup.
Cheik Tiote
The 30-year-old midfielder has been the subject of interest from abroad and Newcastle would appear keen to let the Ivorian leave the club in January.
Tiote has played just 15 minutes of Championship football all season and hasn’t even featured in the squad throughout the campaign so far.
The dynamic performer is unlikely to remain at St. James’ Park beyond the January transfer window and very few Newcastle fans are unlikely to be too bothered by his pending departure from the club.
Newcastle United fans, would you be happy to see the back of these three players? Who else should be on the transfer list? Who else just doesn’t have a future at the club? Let us know in the comments below!!!