Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United are on the up in the Championship.

After two disappointing and pressure-building defeats to Fulham and Huddersfield in their opening fixtures, the Magpies have shone.

They've won five league games on the bounce and go into the next round of fixtures in a deserved second place.

They completely demolished a Queens Park Rangers side at Loftus Road in the week, coming away from London with another morale boosting victory, this time winning by six goals to nil.

Everything seems to be going right for Rafa right now and he has the pleasure of a large and talent-filled squad to chose from, something he's been utilising in the past few weeks.

And standing in their way this weekend are Wolves, whom many Toon fans will fancy as prey after their disappointing 4-0 home defeat to Barnsley.

And we're pretty confident Newcastle United have enough in the tank to win this one too.

So with that in mind, here's our Newcastle United XI that will beat Wolves at St James' Park this weekend...

GK: Matz Sels

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Started off a little tentatively but has really eased into the number one role at Newcastle United.

He's commanding, vocal and has done well when called upon. Did absolutely nothing wrong in the game at Loftus Road in the week and deserves to keep his place in the side.

RB: Vurnon Anita

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Vernon Anita has surprised a few Newcastle fans this season, by maintaining his place in Rafa Benitez's squad.

He's been good too, supporting his fellow defenders and generally stopping most threats that have been coming down the wing.

CB: Chancel Mbemba

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A tough call this, especially seeing as Ciaran Clark did well against QPR but we're bringing back Chancel Mbemba for the game against Wolves.

The Congolese international has been extremely solid this season and is the perfect compliment alongside captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Is expected to overcome a slight knock to make the side.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

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22-year-old centre-back Lascelles was trusted with the armband when Rafa began rebuilding his squad and after a shaky start, he's really impressed at the heart of the Toon defence.

The former Forest man has plenty to learn still but is a commanding young man, who seems to have maturity beyond his years.

LB: Paul Dummett

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He's one that continues to divide opinion on Tyneside but you can't argue that the past couple of games Newcastle have been on fire with Dummett in the side.

Yes, he would have expected more from both Derby County and QPR but you can't drop someone in-form and playing well. We're leaving him be for the time being.

RM: Christian Atsu

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With Benitez rotating his squad four times for the game against QPR, we're expecting Yoan Gouffran to drop to the bench after a couple of busy weeks for the back-in-favour Frenchman.

We've elected to bring in Christian Atsu, who has signed on a season-long deal from Chelsea.

He played thirty minutes against QPR and assisted Mitrovic's goal in an eye-catching display full of running.

CM: Jonjo Shelvey

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Another position with plenty of competition but you just can't ignore the performance Jonjo Shelvey displayed at Loftus Road. Two goals and a genuinely man-of-the-match performance that will serve to show the Toon supporters what he can really do.

A long season ahead and he'll be hoping to build on such a good display.

CM: Mohamed Diame

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Isaac Hayden had a good game against the Hoops, but we think Mo Diame could come back into the side to pack out the midfield a little.

Wolves will be looking to bounce back from a dreadful result against Barnsley and to stop the midfield being overrun, Diame provides a brilliantly solid option in the middle-of-the-park.

LM: Matt Ritchie

Matt RitchieMatt Ritchied

One position that has been barely under threat despite such an extensive squad has been left-midfield, with Matt Ritchie shining for the Magpies.

He was one of a dozen of summer signings and he's been one of the best too. His ability from set-pieces is to die for in this division and he's a hard worker down that left-hand flank.

Gets back to support Paul Dummett and also does his bit going forward too. His form could prove decisive come the end of the season.

ST: Aleksander Mitrovic

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Dispatched a close-range effort in the win over QPR this weekend and it was good to see the big Serbian back amongst the goal after a bit of a dry spell.

Offers Newcastle a different option upfront and it's clear his build will be essential in bringing his team-mates into the game.

More goals would be nice but he's got plenty of time left this campaign to get on the scoresheet.

ST: Dwight Gayle

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Gayle was rested for the win over QPR, and you could tell it was a game he would have loved to have played in.

The former Crystal Palace man has had a good start for the Toon, and and has already hit the net on four occasions. Has massive competition upfront and the minute he stops performing, the likes of Perez and Darryl Murphy will be ready to step up immediately.

Will hope for a couple of goals this weekend.