Christian Atsu predicted to return to Newcastle United starting XI for Cardiff City clash

Published on: 05 November 2016

Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu is expected to return to the starting line-up of Championship leaders Newcastle United when they welcome Cardiff City to St James' Park on Saturday.

Newcastle will be looking to make it eight consecutive wins in all competitions heading into the international break.

The Magpies sit top of the table with a three point lead, and could extend their lead even further if second-placed Brighton slip up.

As Rafael Benitez goes in search of another victory, how will Newcastle line up against Cardiff?

A suspension for Matt Ritchie means that Christian Atsu will very likely get another chance from the start, having impressed whenever he has had the chance so far this season.

Karl Darlow will almost certainly remain in goal, having taken his opportunity when he replaced Matz Sels earlier in the season.

DeAndre Yedlin has started the past three games, which could mean it is Vurnon Anita's turn to occupy the right back slot. The rest of the back four should remain unchanged, with Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett keeping their places.

Jack Colback missed the win at Preston North End due to injury, but could be back in contention to line up alongside Jonjo Shelvey.

Yoan Gouffran will patrol the left back as he looks to extend his unbeaten run. Newcastle have not lost a game this season that the Frenchman has been involved in.

Dwight Gayle missed the trip to Deepdale due to injury, and his replacement Aleksandar Mitrovic took his chance, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory. Benitez might be unwilling to risk his number nine, instead sticking with the Serbian who has scored four goals in his last two games for Newcastle.

Mitrovic was joined by Mo Diame at Preston, but could be paired with Ayoze Perez, who has started the previous two league games at St James' Park, and appears to be getting to grips with the Championship.

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