Newcastle United returned from the international picking up from where they left off with an emphatic 3-1 victory against Brentford at St James Park.
Two goals from Championship top scorer Dwight Gayle and Ciaran Clark sealed a comfortable victory for the Magpies who jumped up to second place – one point behind Norwich City.
That was Newcastle third consecutive victory in a row, and Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez will be aiming for his side to continue their excellent form so they comfortably seal promotion back to the Premier League at the end of the season.
They will be looking to take advantage of a Barnsley side that have slumped in form lately – losing four out of their last five Championship games.
Benitez is unlikely to make any changes to his squad, who are on a high at the moment and the Spaniard will not want to risk changes that could potentially affect their momentum.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies the Newcastle XI that will comfortably beat Barnsley on Tuesday evening…
GK – Karl Darlow
Despite a ropey performance against Norwich City a few weeks ago, since Darlow has taken over the number one spot from Matz Sels, he has grown in confidence and is now one of the most popular players among the supporters.
Darlow was on hand to make a key save in the first half to deny former Arsenal man Nico Yennaris in the last game against Brentford, that could have easily turned the game on its head.
With Benitez being satisfied with Darlow’s performances of late, he isn’t expected to make the drastic change of swapping his goalkeeper.
RB – Vurnon Anita
Since Anita has returned from his suspension, Benitez has opted to put the player back at his unfamiliar position at right back.
Benitez regarded Anita has one of the most energetic and versatile players that he has ever worked with.
After another solid display against Brentford he is expected to keep his place.
CB – Ciaran Clark
Clark is a new player at Newcastle and has really improved his game under Rafael Benitez – making his first team place his own and keeping out the likes of Mbemba at centre back.
As well as his excellent defensive performance, he has shown that he can offensively be a threat for his side after netting a well taken header at St James Park at the weekend.
CB – Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles has thrived under the manager’s decision to make him captain for the season.
He is organised and commands his back-four magnificently.
He played a high-line against Brentford that worked to their advantage, but whether he should do the same against the likes of Adam Armstrong remains questionable, who looks to play on the final shoulder and has blistering pace that could cause the Magpies’ defence problems.
LB – Paul Dummett
Another very solid display for the Welsh full back who made crucial interceptions against Brentford, and weighed in with a couple of crunching tackles for his side.
Dummett is really progressing at St James Park and should be pushing for the first choice spot for his native country Wales.
RW – Yoan Gouffran
Gouffran is proving that his progression in his career is no fluke, after another excellent display for the Magpies.
The French winger has been sat on the fence for the past few years, and has finally come out of his shell to show the supporters what a player he can be.
He offers so much at both ends of the pitch and Benitez will be happy that he kept Gouffran at the club, after considering letting him go in the summer.
CM – Jonjo Shelvey
Another excellent display by the influential midfielder at the weekend puts further pressure on Gareth Southgate to consider the midfielder for an international call-up.
Benitez came out to the media this week - tipping Shelvey to be back among the squad for when they face Scotland next month.
Shelvey was at the centre of everything at the weekend and is proving that the Championship is too easy for him.
A definite man of the match performance from him and Benitez will be looking for him to continue excellent form.
CM – Jack Colback
While Shelvey is the creative one by roaming around in midfield, Colback is the calmer influence that certainly brings a balanced measure within the middle of the park.
He is a steady player, who is always ready to pounce on a counter attack from the opposition.
Although, Shelvey has been raiding in the plaudits, you can not forget about Colback who is also an important member of the squad.
LW – Christian Atsu
Atsu has been slowly introduced into the first team after his loan spell from Chelsea and in only his second appearance, he is certainly proving to be an added attacking threat.
He bagged himself an excellent goal against Rotherham before the international break, and continued to impress on his first league start at the weekend.
ST – Ayoze Perez
Perez has had a rather slow start to life in the Championship after Dwight Gayle has taken over his responsibility for providing goals.
He was lively at the weekend and that should justify another starting place against Barnsley.
ST – Dwight Gayle
Well, what a signing Gayle is proving to be, another two goals at the weekend puts him ahead of Scott Hogan and Tammy Abraham as the division’s top scorer.
With the service that he has been receiving, with the likes of Shelvey and Gouffran whipping in excellent deliveries week-in-week-out, Gayle thrives on this type of service and is proving to be lethal in the Championship.
Newcastle United fans… Is this the XI to beat Barnsley on Tuesday evening? How impressed have you been so far with the Magpies? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!