After reclaiming top spot in the Sky Bet Championship over the course of the weekend, Newcastle United will look to pick up where they left off against Brentford as they welcome Birmingham City to St. James’ Park tonight.
The win against the Bees came at a cost for the Magpies, with the likes of Vurnon Anita, Dwight Gayle and Isaac Hayden picking up knocks in west London and Rafa Benitez is currently low on options for the FA Cup 3rd replay.
As tight on resources as the Toon currently are, perhaps it affords the chance for a number of players to stake a claim in the first-team ahead of the final few months of this arduous Championship campaign. Boosted by the return of Jonjo Shelvey at long last, it’s important the home side embrace this game, rather than simply endure it as they attempt to help the club forget their recent woe in the competition.
With that in mind, here are TWO players who desperately need to take their chance against Birmingham tonight.
