Newcastle United's loss to Sheffield Wednesday over the course of the weekend put a stop to what looked like a relatively routine march towards the Championship title.

Truthfully, the Magpies have struggled to hit top form, aside from the consecutive wins over Brighton and Huddersfield, since the turn of the year and deserved little from Saturday afternoon's game at Hillsborough.

One of the major talking points from fans online as a result of that loss has been exactly who can claim the mantle of Newcastle's best defender. Captain Jamaal Lascelles looked nervous during the game and his partner Chancel Mbemba failed to take his chance against the Owls.

The Congolese has struggled for game time this season, though is regarded in some circles of the Toon's support as the club's best defender, despite the struggles in his second campaign.

However, the absence of summer signing Ciaran Clark has been a notable one. Though his arrival from Aston Villa during the summer may not have instantly appeared to be the most inspired of signings, the Republic of Ireland international has been vital to Newcastle's promotion cause.

Still, Mbemba played well in the Premier League, while Clark was part of the dreadful Villa side so meekly relegated last year. So, who actually is Newcastle's best defender?