GK: Rob Elliot
At least this selection is rather straight forward!
There were few positives to take from Steve McClaren’s reign at Newcastle, but the performances of Rob Elliot was definitely one of them.
The Irishman has been in inspiring form all season, and will be fully expected to keep his place in goal under Benitez.
RB: Daryl Janmaat
Reports last week suggested that Janmaat is almost certain to leave Newcastle in the summer after becoming “disillusioned” with life at St. James’ Park.
Whether or not that will change after Rafa’s appointment remains to be seen, but we’d fully expect him to retain his right-back spot for tonight at least!
CB: Steven Taylor
Newcastle’s centre-back options remain somewhat limited with Chancel Mbemba still sidelined with injury.
Taylor scored an unfortunate own goal in the last outing against Bournemouth, and can hopefully bounce back with a solid performance tonight.
CB: Fabricio Coloccini
This game could come too soon for Coloccini, but the training photos over the week seemed to suggest the captain was heavily involved alongside the new manager.
Lascelles would be expected to slot in should Coloccini not be ready to start the clash with Leicester.
LB: Jack Colback
With Paul Dummett picking up an injury against Bournemouth and being ruled out of tonight’s clash, Colback will be expected to slot in at left-back.
Haidara still isn’t ready for a return to the side, and Mbabu appears to be injured too (though nobody really seems to know where he is).
Colback will certainly have his work cut out for him tonight against Riyad Mahrez.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey put in a very good performance despite the overall disappointment against Bournemouth, and he should slot into the side tonight – possibly with the captain’s armband if Coloccini remains unfit.
Shelvey is one of a number of players to have spoken highly of Benitez since his appointment, and Newcastle fans will be hoping that the English midfielder will flourish under the Spaniard’s management.
CM: Henri Saivet
The January signing from Bordeaux seems the most likely to partner Shelvey in midfield.
With Colback expecting to take over at left-back, Anita not looking likely to be match fit and Tiote seemingly having disappeared altogether – the Senegalese midfielder seems the most likely option.
RM: Moussa Sissoko
There have been many justified calls for Sissoko to lose his place in the side after his recent form – one of the biggest cheers of the season came when the Frenchman was taken off against Bournemouth.
But, the powerful midfielder does have undoubted ability (when he decides to use it) and this could be a fresh start for him under Rafa Benitez.
However, another poor performance from him and it surely won’t be long until he is out of the side.
CAM: Georginio Wijnaldum
Newcastle’s top scorer is another who has spoken fondly of Benitez’s appointment, and Rafa will be keen to consistently get the best out of one of Newcastle’s best players.
Wijnaldum has sparkled at times this campaign, but has appeared anonymous just as often – especially away from home.
If Benitez can get the Dutchman performing at his best, consistently, then Newcastle will have a much better chance of survival.
LM: Andros Townsend
Townsend has looked lively since joining Newcastle in January, and definitely gives the side more of an edge out wide.
He looks to have shaken off a knock that has kept him out of the last couple of games – and may start the game on the left.
ST: Ayoze Perez
Benitez has already spoken fondly of Perez since his arrival, and will no doubt be thrilled to have one of Spain’s top young talents at his disposal.
Perez will almost definitely start tonight, whether or not he’s deployed up top on his own (or as a striker at all) remains to be seen.
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