A sturdy backline of Repka, Anton, Danny Gabbidon and Konchesky is probably what Pardew will plump for should Repka make his return.
Gabbidon and Ferdinand look pretty solid in the centre of defence together, Konchesky should get forward well on the right and continue to play well with Etherington, and Repka could maybe show a few of those darting runs we know he is capable of.
Hayden Mullins was largely under-rated in the Blackburn game but he played a crucial utility role and would do well sitting just in front of the defence although this position is favoured to Dailly by Pardew.
Benayoun was on fire on the right, and he will surely cut through the Newcastle line like a knife through butter. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Israeli get man of the match twice on the trot. Maybe that’s wishful thinking!?
Etherington looked a bit subdued due to a Blackburn bully-boy onslaught but will hopefully find a return to his magic on the ball down the left. I would like to see Noble play in the starting lineup as he is starting to come together as a tasty player. NRC is invaluable and will continue to be so against Newcastle.
Teddy Sheringham played like he had no idea of tiredness, not like a man almost in his forties. However he’ll have to get used to the idea that Pard’s will bring him off before the end of 90 minutes to avoid anything happening to our star striker.
On the subs bench I would have Hislop, Ward, Newton, Harewood and Zamora. Zamora needs some time to prove his value, Harewood is another attacking option, and Newton could take up the right flank (as could Marlon) should Yossi be moved further forward.
A 4-5-1 formation of sorts will be the best way to play Newcastle, a team who are by far and away strongest in midfield than other positions.
Carroll
1
Repka Ferdinand Gabbidon Konchesky
2 5 4 3
Mullins
17
Noble Reo-Coker
Benayoun 24 20 Etherington
15 12
Sheringham
8
SUBS: Hislop (34) Ward (22) Newton (26) Harewood (10) Zamora (25)