Following a hard fought 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic last night, Newcastle United returned to the top of the Championship in place of Brighton.
It was important the Magpies took the initiative from the Seagulls and while the game at the DW was barely a classic, conducted a thoroughly professional performance.
Next up is the trip to Burton Albion, in a game Brewers boss Nigel Clough has described as the biggest mismatch in English league football.
On paper, it should be a relatively routine victory for the travelling Magpies, though the Burton chief’s father infamously had something to say about football being played on paper.
It’s essential the Toon keep up their table-topping form, having allowed the chasing Brighton and Hove Albion to catch up with them.
In many ways, kind of performance needed to walk away from the Pirelli Stadium is very much similar to the one that won in Wigan.
With that in mind, here’s the XI Benitez should field.
