The Newcastle United fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping and praying their expensively assembled Championship side can keep up with league leaders Brighton and Hove Albion.
It’s so far been a frustrating month on the transfer front for the Magpies, who haven’t been able to add anyone during the New Year sales yet, though appear to have returned to form at least following some patchy league outings.
As Rafa Benitez’s side attempt to return to the proverbial Promised Land, they are visited by Ian Holloway’s QPR side, a team the Toon have already walloped 6-0 this term when the pair met at Loftus Road. On paper, they should be beating the Rs, though Benitez knows all too well about the risks involved in every game at this level.
With an injury crisis currently plaguing his ranks, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has little options too, though this 4-2-3-1 XI should see their London visitors off with ease.
GK: Karl Darlow
Linked with a move to Chelsea recently for a reason, the 27-year-old has been in wonderful form for the Magpies this term. Often keeps the Toon in games.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin
Provides so much pace up and down the right flank when overlapping Matt Ritchie and was in wonderful form against Rotherham, having a hand in a few of the goals.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle’s skipper hasn’t always been with it this season, though tends to react well to a poor run of form to lead the Magpies forward.
CB: Ciaran Clark
Eyebrows were initially raised when Benitez opted to sign the Republic of Ireland international from Aston Villa, though he’s so far proved to be a wonderful foil for Lascelles and a palpable goal threat.
LB: Paul Dummett
Doesn’t always look overly convincing in the left-back role, though appears to be Rafa’s first choice in that particular berth. Not the most attacking full-back, the Welsh international provides balance to the rearguard.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey
His return to the starting XI is absolutely vital and the Magpies look a completely different side with Jonjo Shelvey in midfield. A wonderful passer of the ball, he sets the Toon into gear.
Isaac Hayden
Having tried too hard to replicate Shelvey during his absence, the 21-year-old is looking like an ideal foil for the England international in the holding role. Strong, mobile and a clever passer, his signing in the summer looks a masterstroke.
RM: Matt Ritchie
Seems to have played his way out of the dip in form that saw the Magpies slip up during the closing stages of 2016, at perhaps the most crucial time in the campaign.
CAM: Ayoze Perez
Has impressed against Rotherham and Brentford in recent weeks after a largely awful year in black and white and, without Mo Diame, is pretty much the only option in the No.10 role.
LW: Yoan Gouffran
Due to the absence of Dwight Gayle, it’ll be down to Yoan Gouffran to run off the central striker and break behind enemy lines. Having done that pretty much all season, he could be a big player indeed.
ST: Daryl Murphy
Having established himself as one of the most important players in recent weeks, the 33-year-old is simply undroppable right now after his decent form in tight games.
