It's been a mixed week for Newcastle United and after their 2-2 home draw against QPR on Wednesday evening, Rafa Benitez's side will be looking to regroup ahead of the game against Derby County this weekend.

It's likely that the Rams will provide even stiffer competition for the Magpies, especially considering their resurgence under returning manager Steve McClaren.

And it also proved to be a tricky couple of days in the transfer window for the Magpies, with a number of deals falling through in the final days of the month.

So with a squad of players that needs to regroup and move on towards the Championship title, just who should Benitez be picking to start the game against Derby?

Should he change things up after the home draw against QPR, or should he stick to what he knows best and what's worked well already this campaign?

With that in mind, here's 2 players we definitely think should make the cut on Saturday...

Grant Hanley

Ciaran Clark had an evening to forget against the Hoops after scoring in his own net in the final moments of the match, and we'd like to see Grant Hanley be given a run out against the Rams.

The former Blackburn Rovers favourite has been in good form whenever he's been on the pitch for the Magpies, and whilst he's had to bide his time this season, it's a blessing for Rafa Benitez to have a player of his quality in his ranks.

Dwight Gayle (If fit)

Dwight Gayle didn't quite make it back from injury for the game against resurgent QPR but we're fully expecting him to slot back into the Newcastle team this weekend if he's fit.

With all due respect to Darryl Murphy, Aleksandr Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez, neither of them have hit the heights the former Crystal Palace man has and they seriously missed him against the Hoops.

He creates space like no-one does in this Newcastle side and they'll be glad to have him back this weekend, that's for sure.