Championship: Barnsley v Newcastle United
By Jacob Smith
Rafael Benitez takes his Newcastle United side to Oakwell, hoping to capture a fourth consecutive win in the Championship.
Barnsley have contrasting league form, failing to record victory in any of their previous five games, conceding at least two goals in four of those encounters.
The hosts currently sit 11th in the league standings with nine points separating themselves from their opponents Newcastle, who are sitting pretty in 2nd place. Adam Armstrong is ineligible for The Magpies due to Newcastle United being his parent club.
The Robins’ captain Conor Hourihane may also miss the game due to a calf strain and is awaiting scan results. Fellow midfielder Josh Scowen begins his three game ban after receiving a red card during last weekend’s fixture.
Benitez is hoping to have his captain Jamaal Lascelles fit for the trip as Newcastle have an opportunity to go top of the table with a win.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle is the top goal scorer in the league this season with nine goals. Expensive Premier League signing Aleksandar Mitrovic is also available for selection emphasising their strength in depth squad.