WHODAZZLEDIN
The Republic of Ireland stopper is in pole position to start the season as number 1 after United failed to sign Willy Caballero or Pepe Reina. Elliot has made some good saves and been a steady influence behind the back four. Ex-Nottingham Forest stopper Darlow has been caught up in a political goalkeeping situation at the club and is still available for transfer. He wants to stay but has watched on as Middlesbrough then West Ham failed to agree a price for him. For all that, he’s made some fantastic saves in pre-season and stayed focused, more than capable of being number 1 for United. Another who is suffering from Newcastle’s failure to sign a new goalkeeper. Should really be playing in League One or even the lower rung of the Championship on loan but until the goalkeeping pack is reshuffled, he remains number 3. Produced some great saves in pre-season including a first-class stop to deny Viktor Fischer away to Mainz 05. Dealt an injury blow in the trip to Mainz 05 when he retired early with a muscle Has stepped up to the plate in the absence of Yedlin and has progressed slowly but surely. Many Sunderland fans claimed Newcastle had signed a dud but the Toon Army are judging him as they find him. Manquillo has made some good overlapping runs and delivered a fine cross for Ayoze Perez to score against Hellas Verona. After coming in from Atletico Madrid last season, Gamez has been either injured or unconvincing. Has shown more promise in pre-season but if he isn’t motivated by playing on the Premier League, it’s time off-load a player in danger of being regarded a total flop. Netted a deflected consolation against Mainz 05 but needs to show much more. Not since the days of Jonathan Woodgate have Newcastle boasted such a cool and calm figure in their back four. This fella oozes class when bringing the ball out of defence and is an excellent technical addition for Benitez. Has played the most minutes in pre-season and is a sure starter against Spurs. Clark proved many doubters wrong last season when quitting Aston Villa and is now ready for the next stage of his career challenge at Newcastle. Has looked neat and tidy in pre-season and it would be harsh if wasn’t in the starting XI today. Benitez has axed his skipper before and won’t have any qualms about doing so again today. Lascelles is a key part of the dressing room but is behind on match fitness. It’s a big decision for Benitez but Clark and Lejuene seem the likely starters. Mbemba is up for sale and a move to Crystal Palace fell through earlier in the summer when the Eagles baulked at United’s asking price. Has steadily worked away in pre-season but knows he is down the pecking order. The Scotland international’s move to United hasn’t worked out and he has been told to find another club. Didn’t do anything in pre-season to suggest he could salvage his career at St James’ Park. Remains Benitez’s first choice for now but knows he will have competition with Manquillo also able to operate at left-back and possibly left-sided Brazilian Kenedy who could arrive in the coming days. Made a couple of mistakes in pre-season but Benitez didn’t hesitate to hand him the skipper’s armband a couple of times. Currently out of favour and heading out of the club after just one year. After