The predicted NUFC XI we expect to line up against Swansea today
With a much needed win over West Ham in our last outing, many may feel inclined to stick with the same side at Swansea today. With Gayle, Lejeune and Yedlin returning from injury, Shelvey back suspension and Chancel Mbemba injured however, we're expected a few changes.
Here's the NUFC XI we expect to see take to the field for today's 4pm kick off:
GK - Rob Elliot
The often reliable Rob Elliot ended last season as Benitez's number one and has started this one between the sticks. He kept a clean sheet in the home win over West Ham and he'll almost certainly start today.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at right-back for NUFC today..
RB - Javier Manquillo
DeAndre Yedlin is fit again and will be knocking on the door for a return to the right-back slot at Swansea, however Manquillo has done a decent job so far this season and I think he'll keep his place in the side.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-back for NUFC today..
CB - Jamaal Lascelles
With Lejeune fit again and Clark likely to fill in at left-back we see Lascelles retaining his place in the team. The club captain is arguably our third choice centre-half, but should continue at the heart of the NUFC back line.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-back for NUFC today..
CB - Florian Lejeune
The £8.7m summer signing oozed class throughout pre-season and made a steady start against Spurs on the opening day before being hacked down by Harry Kane - seeing him miss our last three games through injury. The Frenchman is fit again now however, and I fully expect him to return to the side.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at left-back for NUFC today..
LB - Ciaran Clark
Clark put in an assured display at centre-back against West Ham, but with Dummett and stand-in left-back Chancel Mbemba both out injured, we expect the left footed defender to full in here - as he did for most of the game against Spurs on the opening day.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-midfield for NUFC today..
CM - Isaac Hayden
The former Arsenal youngster enjoyed a promising season in the Championship last season and looked at home in the Premier League in his last game against West Ham. The combative midfielder's tough tackling and tracking could be much needed against Swansea livewire Renato Sanches.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-midfield for NUFC today..
CM - Mikel Merino
The Spaniard came into the team in Jonjo Shelvey's absence and has made a real impact. He ran the show against West Ham and combined well with Hayden to win the midfield battle. Even if Shelvey is available once again, I don't see that partnership being broken up against Swansea today.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start on the right wing for NUFC today..
RM - Matt Ritchie
After quiet games against Spurs and Huddersfield, Ritchie was outstanding against West Ham and looked back to his brilliant best. He has often been described as the heartbeat of this Newcastle United side and will be one of the first names on Rafa's team sheet.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start on the left wing for NUFC today..
LM - Christian Atsu
The Ghanaian winger has been one of the stand-out players of our season so far, being nominated for NUFC's player of the month for August. He had a superb pre-season and has looked lively against Spurs and West Ham, registering an assist in the 3-0 win over West Ham. He seems nailed on at the moment and rightly so.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start in the no.10 role for NUFC today..
CAM - Ayoze Perez
The no.10 role has been a problem position for us over the past season and despite his limited impact across our opening three games, I expect him to get the nod once again. He was bright against West Ham, working hard and linking up with Joselu on occasion, so is likely to start - even if there have been calls to use Shelvey ahead of the midfield duo.
CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start up front for NUFC today..
ST - Joselu
The Spaniard made a promising start to life on Tyneside on his home debut against West Ham, holding up the ball well, putting himself about and grabbing his open goal in black and white. With Mitrovic banned, I expect him to get the nod over Dwight Gayle once again.
