Newcastle United fans here in the bar at the Football Transfer Tavern are still considering what could have been following their first two games back in the Premier League ending in defeat.

Jonjo Shelvey’s red card seemed to condemn the Magpies to a 2-0 loss Tottenham Hotspur and a lackluster performance in their second game saw the Magpies go down to fellow new boys, Huddersfield Town.

These results paired with the lack of activity in the transfer window has started to worry the Newcastle fans in the Tavern, however, our landlord believes that a manager with the pedigree of Rafa Benitez will not allow his club to be relegated, and has tipped his Geordie punters that they will see a quick turn around from their club.

The Magpies in the Tavern are still not confident and they would like to see some areas strengthened before the game against West Ham in what is also a massive game for the Hammers following the fact that they too have lost both of their opening fixtures this season.

In what is almost a must win side for both sides, our lamdlord has outlined the XI that Benitez must use to get a win this weeekend.

Check it out here…

GK: Rob Elliot

After missing most of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament, Elliot has managed to recapture the number one jersey at the start of this season.

The Irishman will be looking over his shoulder at Karl Darlow, who himself is a fine keeper and our landlord feels Elliot needs to show some strong performances to secure his place in this side.

RB: Javier Manquillo

After spending last season on loan at arch rivals, Sunderland, many of the Newcastle punters were skeptical when the signing of Manquillo was announced.

Rafa Benitez is a fan of the former Atletico Madrid full back and our landlord expects Manquillo to be Newcastle’s first choice right back this season.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

The Newcastle captain really needs to lead his side to a turn around in form if they are to compete in the Premier League this season.

The Magpies in the Tavern agree and they want to see some leadership from their captain in the coming weeks.

CB: Ciaran Clark

The former Aston Villa man really needs to recall on his Premier League experience to make sure Newcastle turn things around against West Ham.

One of Clark’s jobs will surely to make sure that Javier Hernandez is quiet following the Mexican’s two goals against Southampton last weekend.

LB: Chancel Mbemba

Being a right footed centre-back, it is mind boggling to our landlord to work out how Mbemba has ended up at left-back and with Paul Dummett out for a few more weeks it may become a regular occurrence.

One thing is for sure, Mbemba needs to be ready as he will be surely targeted by West Ham this weekend.

CM: Mohamed Diame

With things needing to change in the middle of Newcastle’s midfield, our landlord feels Benitez should give Mo Diame a chance.

The former Hull man had a decent season last year as the Magpies got promoted and the Toon Army in the Tavern are certainly open to the idea of Diame starting in what may be a physical game.

CM: Mikel Merino

The Bourissia Dortmund loanee has featured in both games so far for Rafa Benitez’s side this season and the Magpies in the Tavern would not be adverse to seeing Merino get an extended run in the first team.

Our landlord confesses to not know much about Merino but it would be beneficial for the Magpies for this young player to prosper this season.

RW: Christian Atsu

Atsu is a constant threat whenever he plays and our landlord believes that he needs to be given time to establish himself in the Premier League.

Our resident Magpies agree and they want to see more of the Ghanaian in the starting XI.

CAM: Jacob Murphy

In what would be an interchanging role with the other attacking midfielders, our landlord believes it is time for Benitez to unleash Murphy on the Premier League.

The lifelong Newcastle fan loves the club and at a time where you need an 100% effort from all your men, it will be guaranteed that Murphy gives that and then some.