EFL Championship: Analysing the hunt for promotion

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Newcastle United

Newcastle United, the ‘big boys’ of the Championship. There was certainly the feeling around the club that, had Rafa Benitez arrived at St James Park earlier last season, relegation may well have been avoided. Indeed, after a disappointing first game at Craven Cottage, the Toon Army have come to life, ignited by the goals of Dwight Gayle – the forward with 17 to his name already, a remarkable return.

Scoring 45 goals in just 23 games, and only conceding 18, it is no secret that Newcastle will surely make an immediate return to the Premier League, should they carry on in similar fashion for the second half of their campaign.

The club find themselves in a similar boat to Brighton, in terms of pressure and expectation. There is without a doubt enough experience in the Newcastle squad to cope with it, and not crumble. Players like Mohamed Diame and Matt Ritchie know what it feels like to gain promotion, and this will only spur on the rest of the squad.

The squad depth is what is so impressive with Newcastle, with the likes of Mitrovic, Atsu and Ayoze Perez only making the bench.

Best Moment – Newcastle 4-3 Norwich

Prediction – 1st