Benitez should give these 3 Newcastle players a chance against Preston

Christian Atsu

Christian Atsu has been restricted to mainly substitute appearances this season, but warrants an opportunity to start on Tuesday.

The on-loan Chelsea star can be a handful when on form, and netted in his first start of the season against Rotherham United earlier on in the month.

The Championship season is a long one and, adding in the various cup competitions, it could well exceed the 50-game mark, and Benitez will know that he needs a strong and in-form squad to win promotion.

Giving Atsu minutes on the pitch at this stage of the season could prove invaluable as the campaign progresses.