Newcastle have adapted to life in the Championship well under manager Rafa Benitez and are definitely the team to beat this season, despite a rocky start to life in the second tier.

Ever since losing their opening game of the season, they've been in scintillating form winning their last 8 games in all competitions and are undefeated in the league since mid-September.

They were able to offload expensive flops in the summer recouping big money for them and investing that money back into the squad with a large outlay of around £60 million on transfers.

Dwight Gayle's brilliant form has propelled them to the top of the division with an impressive 11 goals whilst fellow striker Alexander Mitrovic is starting to hit the goal trail.

Mitro's on fire, as they say.

Midfielders such as Matt Ritchie and Yoann Gouffran have been impressive as well whilst central midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is too good for the Championship.

Central defender Jamaal Lascelles has attracted the interest of Chelsea as well and Newcastle possess one of the best defensive records in England so far as the Rafalution rolls on.

And on.

They'll need to be at their best to beat in-form Leeds though and here is the XI they should field:

GK - Karl Darlow

There's a real fight for the No.1 jersey between Karl Darlow and the impressive Matt Selz, though the Belgian has been losing it of late.

For the more recent games, Benitez has entrusted Darlow over Selz and he has not disappointed with a string of impressive performances.

In fact, Newcastle have only conceded 3 goals in their last 7 games and with just 13 goals conceded, their defensive record is excellent. Darlow will likely be entrusted once more.

LB - Paul Dummett

Local lad Paul Dummett has become a fixture in the first team under Rafa Benitez and with a lack of competition at left back the starting berth will be his again.

He has been solid all season, providing a good attacking outlet, as well as good defensive cover, and will become crucial for both club and country.

RB - DeAndre Yedlin

The American right-back, like Dummett, has established himself as a regular starter this season and has impressed thus far.

Full of attacking enterprise, he's put his Sunderland past behind him in the eyes of many a Toon fan.

CB - Jamaal Lascelles

Lascelles has perhaps been Newcastle's most impressive player so far and the most crucial to their excellent defensive record.

The 23-year-old centre-back had Championship experience with Nottingham Forest before his move and got Premier League experience mainly under Rafa Benitez at Newcastle.

He has formed a crucial partnership with Ciaran Clark.

CB - Ciaran Clark

Clark's defending for Aston Villa in the Premier League was more than questionable last season, but he seems to be adapting well to Championship life under Benitez at Newcastle.

His partnership with Lascelles is one of the best in the division and the 27-year-old is keeping Grant Hanley out of the side while he's also establishing himself in the Ireland side.

A player that has really improved under the guidance of Benitez.

CM - Jonjo Shelvey

Probably the first name on the team sheet every week is England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey who joined the club in the winter from Swansea.

Shelvey has been a revelation and is clearly too good for the Championship and is certainly the best player in the division. His partnership with Hayden and Colback has been impressive whilst his passing and vision is unmatched by any player at this level.

CM - Isaac Hayden

Hayden has established himself alongside Shelvey this season using the Championship experience he picked up last season at Hull to his advantage.

He is getting better every game defensively and is the perfect foil for Shelvey.

LM - Yoan Gouffran

Has been integral to Benitez's plans this season starting nearly every game and scoring 3 goals.

A key attacking outlet for the Magpies providing excellent service for Gayle up front.

RM - Matt Ritchie

Another key player for Newcastle is Scotland winger Matt Ritchie, who joined from Premier League Bournemouth in the summer.

The winger is one of the best in the division, playing a key part in Bournemouth's promotion in 2015 and was one of their best players in the Premier League last season.

Making the step down to the Championship wasn't a huge surprise given the size of Newcastle and he has been great so far with 2 goals and numerous assists.

CAM - Ayoze Perez

Perez has been a revelation as a Number 10 this season, playing just behind the star man Dwight Gayle.

The classy Spaniard has 6 goals in all competitions already and will be one of the league's top scorers at the end of the season without a doubt.

ST - Dwight Gayle

The star of the Newcastle team is Dwight Gayle, who was bought for big money from Premier League Crystal Palace.

Opportunities were often lacking for the 26-year-old but he did flop in the Premier League scoring just 15 goals in 64 games after his Championship breakthrough with Peterborough.

Still, he has found his feet at this level once more scoring 11 goals already and is the division's top scorer whilst also keeping the talented Alexander Mitrovic on the bench.

Thoughts Newcastle fans? Leave comments below.