4-2-3-1: If Benitez fields this Newcastle XI, they’ll beat Brentford on Saturday

After some rather stuttering league form of late, the Newcastle United supporters in the Transfer Tavern are becoming slightly nervous about the notion of automatic promotion right now.

While that’s looked an inevitably at times during this campaign, the loss to Blackburn Rovers to kick off 2017 means the chasing pack remain within touching distance and the Magpies are chasing Brighton in top spot.

So their trip to Griffin Park to take on a Brentford side who could disrupted by the potential loss of star striker Scott Hogan is a hugely important one.

It’s vitally important Rafa Benitez returns the Toon to winning ways in west London and he’ll still be without Jonjo Shelvey, who has proved oh so crucial to those in black and white this term.

With all things considered then, here’s the 4-2-3-1 XI he really should field to swat the Bees at Griffin Park on Saturday.

Do you agree?

GK: Karl Darlow

Hasn’t looked back since replacing Matz Sels as Rafa Benitez’s No.1 and will need to be at his best should the lethal Scott Hogan start.

RB: Vurnon Anita

Has found his true calling at right-back it seems after a few years of floating about various midfield positions and is doing well to keep DeAndre Yedlin out of the starting XI.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

Newcastle’s skipper, Jamaal Lascelles is growing into his role with armband game-by-game and the 23-year-old will need to be at his very best if Hogan starts.

Needs a big performance.

CB: Ciaran Clark

Eyebrows were raised when the Republic of Ireland international arrived at St. James’ Park from Aston Villa initially, though he’s forming a wonderfully solid partnership with the aforementioned Lascelles.

LB: Paul Dummett

Not always the most popular amongst the Toon faithful, though the Welshman looks to have Rafa’s trust in the left-back berth.

CM: Jack Colback

Has some making up to do after his silly foul cost the Magpies against strugglers Blackburn Rovers and needs to go forward with the ball more often.

CM: Isaac Hayden

Trying to do too much on the ball in Shelvey’s absence and should go back to the sort of quick, snappy and clever passing he pulled off so well upon his initial arrival at St. James’ Park.

RM: Matt Ritchie

A big performance is needed from Matt Ritchie, who has been quiet in the last few games in black and white.

Still, if one man can turn games in this division, it’s the Scotland international.

CAM: Ayoze Perez

Ayoze Perez’s downturn in form has been little short of remarkable on Tyneside and the Spaniard is surely battling to save his Newcastle United career.

Still, given time and space, the 22-year-old can wreak havoc.