Could This Be The Side Tasked With Beating Nottingham Forest?

There may have been a lot of positives on show from Rafa Benitez side on Tuesday night, however it was not enough to see the side through into the EFL Cup Semi-Finals.
Hull were well drilled and well organised and despite Newcastle dominating for most of the game, they were not able to win the game in 90 minutes, or after extra-time.
The fans however, seem to have taken the defeat well. Understanding that in a Premier League game, Newcastle would have gotten a point away from home. Something that is an improvement on much of last season and something that can give us all heart for next season, if the side are promoted.
However, Benitez and his side may find themselves top of the table but there is still a lot of hard work to be done. Starting today away at Nottingham Forest.
With the game on Tuesday going to extra-time, a few players may be tired, so with this in mind, just how might Newcastle line-up?
GK: Karl Darlow – Matz Sels did not cover himself in glory in the week and it would be a huge surprise if he started again today. Darlow is the obvious choice, his calmness and composure could be just what Newcastle need after a couple of difficult game.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin - Anita is likely to be rested after Tuesday, and it is seemingly between the toss of a coin which is the better of the two.
LB: Paul Dummett – Achraaf Lazaar played well against Hull, but after playing 120 minutes he is unlikely to play again so quickly. Jesus Gamez will be missing through injury, making Dummett, who is good form himself this season, the obvious choice.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles (C) &
CB: Ciaran Clark – Newcastle looked far more solid defensively, with their first-choice centre back pairing restored, on Tuesday night. There seems to be no reason that the two will not play again tonight, especially after Lascelles was rested last weekend.

CM: Jack Colback &
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – It seems that Colback has been missed during the last couple of games. This coupled with the fact that Shelvey and Isaac Hayden have played both games in Colback’s absence, suggests that Colback will return. The reason that Shelvey should remain, is that he has arguably been Newcastle’s most important player this season and, if truth be told, nobody at the club can fill his role in the side.

RW: Matt Ritchie – The Scotland international is not happy with his recent form but after such a great start to the season, he deserves a chance to put things right.

Ten: Mo Diame – Before the game against Hull, Diame, like Ritchie, raised concerns over his own form. However, in that game he impressed and with his opener in extra-time, he could have possibly done enough to retain his place in the starting eleven.

LW: Yoan Gouffran – He may not be as skilful as Christian Atsu, but Gouffran offers balance. He also offers work rate and a goal threat. The Frenchman uses his clever movement well and it seems that Newcastle are not ready to play with two attacking wingers, like Ritchie and Atsu, just yet.

ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic – He didn’t play as badly as some suggested last weekend. In the first half, he challenged well and lacked service. Dwight Gayle also played against Hull and didn’t quite do himself justice. A fresher Mitrovic could provide a goal threat and an outlet, away from home against Forest.