Newcastle United’s 2-1 away win over Brentford last week was vital, although it came at some cost. Both Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle and Vernon Anita were injured during the clash, forcing them both to endure a spell on the sidelines.
Arguably, Gayle will be the most missed out of the pair – his 20 Championship goals so far this season are the main reason why Newcastle have propelled to the top of the table. Benitez has thus been left with a dilemma for the next 2-3 weeks until Gayle returns. But most urgently, who will he start up top against Rotherham?
Daryl Murphy will be one contender for a starting place. In his last two appearances, the Irishman has secured his first two Newcastle United goals – scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham in the FA cup, and scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory of Brentford.
Ayoze Perez will also be in contention. The Spaniard played a delicious outside-of-the-foot cross for Murphy to head in the winner against Brentford last weekend. Benitez will perhaps take advantage of Perez’s creativity, and again play the 23-year-old in midfield or on either flank.
Aleksander Mitrovic, although doubtful due to injury, is also in contention. Shields Gazette has suggested that the 22-year-old has offered to return early for Newcastle to help the injury-hit squad. The Serbian will hope to get his chance in the starting 11 after previously being kept out by an in-form Dwight Gayle.
Another worthy mention for starting in the number 9 role would be Yoan Gouffran. The Frenchman put on a fine display on Wednesday’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Birmingham City – winning a penalty and scoring a well-executed finish. Gouffran looked comfortable playing up top – a role he has rarely played in for Newcastle before – but a role he was bought to play, as he did so for his previous club Bordeaux.
Benitez will be expected to play his 4-2-3-1 formation, a team structure that has proven successful for Newcastle the majority of this season.
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