After a slow start, Newcastle are finally beginning to warm up and perform in the Championship.

Two losses in the opening two games left Newcastle fans perplexed, but they have now won five consecutive games and sit second in the league ahead of Tuesday night's visit to Queen's Park Rangers.

Four clean sheets in a row is providing a solid foundation for the Magpies to go ahead and win matches, so they will be aiming for another shutout at Loftus Road in midweek.

These results have not been against pushover opposition either; they have managed tough-fought away victories over Derby and Bristol City as well as home wins against Brighton and Reading.

Newcastle are the best team in the league on paper and will be eyeing up top of the league Huddersfield, who currently sit 4 points clear of the Magpies. Benitez will be hoping that his side can carry their form into their trip to West London on Tuesday and earn another three points.

If he fields this XI, Newcastle will undoubtedly have too much quality for QPR to compete with.....

 

GK: Matz Sels

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Matz Sels has established himself as first choice goalkeeper at St. James' Park ahead of Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot.

The 24-year-old has kept three clean sheets in a row and will hope to add a fourth to that run on Tuesday night.

With some quality goalkeepers sitting on the sidelines, the Belgian will have to be performing consistently well to keep his place in the team.

 

RB: Vurnon Anita

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Whilst new signing DeAndre Yedlin scored against Derby, he is expected to be eventually integrated into the side rather than replacing Daryl Janmaat immediately.

It would be very harsh to drop Vurnon Anita after how well he has been performing at right back.

He has started in that full back spot for the last four league games and the versatile Dutchman looks to be settled in the role.

The 5ft 5 27-year-old is a good tackler and provides a threat coming forward too.

 

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

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Newcastle's youthful captain has been a rock at the back over the last few games and should continue in a starting role for the Toon this Tuesday.

The powerful 22-year-old has plenty of experience already at Championship level and should probably be playing at a higher standard.

Newcastle will be hoping that the former Nottingham Forest and England under-21 defender can lead them to promotion this season.

 

CB: Chancel Mbemba

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Centre back is arguably the most competitive department at a club which is overflowing with first team quality players.

Grant Hanley and Ciaran Clark are both competent, experienced defenders who will have to watch from the sidelines because Chancel Mbemba is playing so well.

The DR Congo international has formed a formidable partnership with Lascelles, and the 22-year-old is continuing to impress after a decent first season in England last year.

 

LB: Achraf Lazaar

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It might be considered harsh to drop Paul Dummett in midweek but Achraf Lazaar is probably going to replace him later in the season anyway, and there is nothing wrong with a bit of rotation to keep your players happy and fresh.

24-year-old Lazaar comes highly rated and is an attack-minded left back, which benefits Newcastle's style of play as they should see a lot of the ball in the second tier.

The Morocco international could be given his debut for the Magpies against QPR after sitting on the bench this weekend at Derby.

 

CM: Jonjo Shelvey

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Newcastle are not short on quality in any position and central midfield is no exception. Jonjo Shelvey, who was playing for England as recently as last November, has the ability to dominate the midfield areas with his exceptional passing range.

The 24-year-old has played for Charlton, Liverpool and Swansea with lots of Premier League experience and if he can sort out his attitude, then he could become a top class player in the future.

 

CM: Jack Colback

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No Championship club can boast a better central midfield partnership than Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback and this is how it should continue.

Colback is the perfect left-footed compliment to Shelvey.

The 26-year-old sits a bit deeper than his counterpart, breaking up defence and allowing Shelvey to roam in a slightly freer role.

Previously an England squad player, Newcastle are lucky to still have Colback as he could easily be playing in the top division.

 

RM: Matt Ritchie

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Matt Ritchie is starting to settle into this Newcastle team and show that he's a class above Championship level. The 27-year-old winger poses all kinds of problems to defences and has a quality left foot. The former Bournemouth wide man is also an asset with his defensive contributions as he often doubles back to help out his right back.

CAM: Mo Diame

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Diame was a shrewd piece of business at this level and the 29-year-old should continue in his attacking midfield role in midweek.

The Senegal international has vast experience of English football, having played for Wigan, West Ham and Hull before his summer switch to St. James' Park.

The attack-minded central midfielder should sit just ahead of Shelvey and Colback whilst linking the midfield with attack.

 

LM: Yoan Gouffran

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After it seemed like Gouffran was heading for the exit door, he has reignited his stalling career with some exceptional performances for Newcastle, typified by his wonderful volleyed goal against Derby on the weekend.

The 30-year-old winger has grabbed his opportunity after being reintroduced to the team this season.

The Frenchman is keeping star Ayoze Perez out of the team with exciting displays down the flanks.

 

ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic

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Dwight Gayle has been on fire in front of goal this season but a bit of rest and rotation will not do him any harm.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is more than capable of stepping up and filling the striker role.

The hotheaded 21-year-old has bags of talent and the powerful forward will be difficult to deal with for QPR's centre backs.

The Serbia international has a point to prove too as he is seen as second-choice to Gayle.

With Gayle rested, he should return next Saturday rejuvenated for the clash with Wolves.