Newcastle United have made a sensational start to life in the Sky Bet Championship as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

The Magpies were relegated from the top-flight last season after a disastrous campaign, which saw Steve McClaren sacked and Rafa Benitez come in, although the Spaniard came in too late to prevent the club going down.

However, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager has stayed on at St James’ Park and has so far led the North East side to the top of the Championship, having won 10 of their 14 second tier matches.

They sit atop the league, three points clear of Brighton and Huddersfield Town, but turn their attentions to the EFL Cup on Tuesday when they host Simon Grayson’s Preston, who they then play at Deepdale in the league on Saturday.

Preston are ninth in the Championship, but are unbeaten in their last six league games, winning four.

Both sides are likely to make changes ahead of the game, which should provide ample opportunities for fringe players to stake a claim for a first team spot.

Here are THREE Newcastle players who deserve a chance against Preston…

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Dwight Gayle has been in scintillating form this season, netting 11 goals in 12 Championship matches, and Benitez must decide whether to rest the forward and risk stemming his momentum, or start him and risk injury.

If he goes for the former, he might replace Gayle with fellow striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian international has only started one league game this season, albeit he did start the season with a suspension, but hasn’t been able to break into the starting eleven ahead of Gayle and Ayoze Perez, such is their great form.

However, Benitez may view the Preston game as an opportunity to see his squad players, and whether or not they are capable of coming in and doing a job for the team.

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.

Achraf Lazaar

Achraf Lazaar is not the most recognisable name from Newcastle’s summer investment, but he cost the club £3 million in the transfer window.

What they’ve got for their money so far though is very little.

The Moroccan has started just one game for the Magpies this season, their 2-0 win over Wolves in the previous round of the EFLCup.

However, currently the second choice left-back behind Paul Dummett, Lazaar needs minutes on the pitch to prove to Benitez that he is good enough to compete with Dummett for the regular first team spot.

He deserves a chance to do just that on Tuesday.