Newcastle United have begun the season in fine form and they have already opened up an eight point gap between themselves and third-placed Huddersfield.

Newcastle are looking to bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking and they have got off to the start that Rafa Benitez would've been looking for.

After a shaky first couple of games, The Toon Army have adapted well to life in the Championship and have hit their stride, winning seven games in a row.

Newcastle recruited smartly over the summer, bringing in players who have experience in the Championship and know what it takes to get promoted, instead of going for unknown quantities from abroad - something they have been known to do in years gone by.

With the majority of Newcastle's squad staying at St James' Park after relegation, tied in with the new signings, Rafa Benitez has a large squad at his disposal, meaning he has to leave quality players on the bench.

Here, I will look at 2 players who Benitez should use as impact subs against Leeds.

Mo Diame

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Diame signed for The Magpies in summer from Premier League side and last season's play-off winners Hull City.

He was one of many players who stepped down to the Championship from the Premier Legaue over summer.

Diame has done okay for Newcastle so far but he has yet to find the consistency he had last season, which is mainly why he has been in and out of the starting eleven.

If he could find some consistency, he could be a key player for Newcastle this season.

Diame finds space very well, so bringing him on as a second-half substitute would benefit his game.

As players begin to lose concentration, this is when Diame comes to the fore because he can find the space behind the midfield and start to be more creative.

Dwight Gayle

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Given Mitrovic's recent form, it is likely that Gayle will be on the bench again, as he bids to force his way back into the starting eleven.

Benitez always seems to go with one striker up front and Mitrovic hasn't given him a reason to drop him.

Gayle had been in scintillating form before he picked up an injury and he will hope to rediscover his form when he regains his position in the team.

Gayle's pace would be a huge factor late in the game against a tired Leeds defence.

As the game grows older and defenders become tired, Gayle could have a huge say in the outcome of the match.

His pace and energy to run in behind will be exactly what the Leeds defence do not want to see late into the game.

If Newcastle were winning, he would become even more important as he could hurt Leeds on a counter attack.

 

Newcastle fans - do you agree with these two suggestions? Are they good impact subs? Would you start them instead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...