26 games gone and Newcastle United sit top of the Sky Bet Championship, exactly where many predicted them to be.

The Magpies are sticking to the script so far and are having a magnificent campaign as they look to bounce straight back up to the top flight, at the first time of asking.

Under the guidance of Champions League winning boss Rafa Benitez, Newcastle have proved themselves to be a free scoring but defensively solid side.

This weekend they come up against relegation threatened Rotherham United and will be hoping to avoid any complacency and get the job done at St James' Park.

This article is going to suggest the starting eleven that Benitez should pick this weekend.....

 

GK - Karl Darlow

Karl Darlow will no doubt retain his place between the sticks and will be looking to put in another impressive performance and clean sheet, on the way to his side picking up yet another three points this weekend.

The 26-year-old is experienced in the 2nd tier of English football as he made over 100 appearances for Nottingham Forest, at this level.

LB - Paul Dummett

Local lad Paul Dummett looks likely continue in his role at left back for this upcoming fixture against Rotherham United

The 25- year-old has been at St James’ Park all his career, barring two brief loan spells with Gateshead and Scottish side St Mirren.

AdTech Ad Dummett has made close to 100 appearances for his boyhood club and has adhered himself to the fans with his passion and work rate.

CB - Jamaal Lascelles

Another eyebrow raising decision this summer was the decision to award 22-year-old centre back Jamaal Lascelles the captaincy of the club, however the young man has thrived under the added pressures of being captain and has displayed composure and leadership way beyond his years.

Lascelles is someone who is seen to have the potential to reach the very top of the game – he has all the physical attributes needed and with the right guidance on and off the pitch he can definitely be seen as a star of the future.

CB - Ciaran Clark

Eyebrows were raised when Newcastle swooped in to secure the signing of former Aston Villa man Ciaran Clark in the summer, but since arriving at the club he has been nothing short of magnificent.

Clark has turned in some excellent defensive displays to help the club push up the league.

AdTech Ad AdTech Ad Clark spent seven years with the Villans before making the switch to St James’ Park and he made over 150 appearances for Aston Villa during that time.

RB - DeAndre Yedlin

American full back DeAndre Yedlin should be given a starting berth at right back in my Newcastle United XI.

The jet heeled full back is lightning quick and is excellent at both going forward and defending. 

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At the age of just 23, he still has a lot of time to improve and become the complete full back.

Yedlin is very highly rated back in the United States and has already amassed 43 caps for the American national team.

CM - Jonjo Shelvey

Newcastle talisman Jonjo Shelvey returned from his 5 game ban during the 3-1 FA cup victory over Birmingham City, and would be thrown back into the starting eleven for this upcoming game against The Millers.

The former Liverpool and Swansea man is a commanding figure in midfield and is someone who looks to boss the midfield battle with his physicality and quality in possession.

AdTech Ad Shelvey has previously represented the likes of Liverpool, Swansea City, Blackpool and Charlton Athletic.

CM - Isaac Hayden

Hayden was a summer signing from Arsenal, and at just 21 years of age he is seen as one for the future, hence why he penned a five year deal with the club.

AdTech Ad Hayden’s potential has been recognised by England at international level for whom he has been capped at under-16 through under-21 level.

Hayden previously spent time on loan at Hull City last season, where he made 24 appearances, scoring once in the process.

LW - Matt Ritchie

Matt Ritchie has been an excellent signing for Rafa Benitez so far this season and is certainly one of the teams driving forces behind their success.

Ritchie will no doubt be found in the starting eleven again this weekend as the Magpies come up against stragglers Rotherham United.

 

CAM - Ayoze Perez

Talented Spaniard Ayoze Perez was linked with numerous moves away from the club in the summer, but chose to stay at St James’ Park and help the club bounce straight back up to the top flight.

The 23-year-old is in his third season with the club and has already amassed close to 100 appearances.

AdTech Ad Throughout that time he has netted 19 times and has become a huge fans’ favourite.

RW - Yoan Gouffran

 Yoan Gouffran would be given a starting role on the right wing in my Newcastle United preferred XI for the upcoming clash with Rotherham United.
Gouffran has been at St James’ Park since 2013 and since arriving at the club he has gone on to make over 100 appearances, scoring close to 17 goals in the process. AdTech Ad
AdTech Ad The 30-year-old is a former France under-21 international and previously represented the likes of Caen and Bordeaux back in France before moving to England

ST - Daryl Murphy

Dwight Gayle won't be fit in time to face the Millers, so expect to see Daryl Murphy start up-front for the Magpies.

The former Ipswich Town striker knows where the net is and will be looking to extend his goalscoring tally against Rotherham United.