3 Newcastle United players Benitez has to start against Brentford

It’s been an agonising two-week wait for a game due to the recent round of internationals and, while Wayne Rooney’s international career may have ground to a halt, momentum was starting to build on Tyneside after back-to-back wins against Norwich City and Rotherham United.

Currently sat third in the Championship, there’s now nine points to play for in seven days and with Brentford visiting St James’ Park on Saturday, here’s SHOOT‘s THREE players that must start against the Bees…

Christian Atsu

The on-loan Chelsea winger scored the winner in our last game and was the star man at the New York Stadium.

It was not only his goal that showed why the west London club tied him down to a five-year contract, but his all round play and positivity.

Newcastle have struggled at home when teams have come to defend and the trickery of the Ghanaian could prove to be a vital weapon in the arsenal.

It would be harsh on Yoan Gouffran to start on the bench after his impressive start to the season, but the thought of Matt Ritchie and Atsu on the wings is enough to fill any Geordie with excitement and any defence with fear.

Aleksandar Mitrović

The Serb has played a supporting role so far this season, with Dwight Gayle the man more often than not chosen to lead the attack.

His seven goals probably justifies that decision, however there’s often times when he looks lost in a game.

Mitrovic alongside him could help Gayle score even more and, even though he takes credit for the hat-trick against Norwich, it was the introduction of Mitro that changed the game.

The former Anderlecht man is unpredictable and a discipline worry, but he is handful for the opposition and should be full of confidence after two goals for his national side against Austria.

Karl Darlow

After beginning the season behind Matz Sels, the Midlander has now started the last two league games between the sticks.

While conceding three against Norwich may not have helped his claim for the number one spot, a shutout at Rotherham has surely put him in pole position for a start.

It may seem harsh on Sels after he was dropped after his mistake at Aston Villa, but since his own clanger in the Midlands against West Brom, Darlow has proved solid and reliable.

The ‘keeper also has experience of the Championship which could prove vital if he is given a run in the side.