Newcastle United will be looking to end a run of two matches without a win to further cement their place in the automatic promotion spots when they face Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Saturday.

A 3-1 home defeat by Fulham last time out followed a goalless draw against another play-off hopeful in Reading, which has seen their advantage to third-placed Huddersfield Town cut to just six points.

With nine games of the season remaining, Rafa Benitez will know that his side need to keep putting points on the board, and that the performance against the Cottagers last weekend wasn’t good enough.

The Spaniard could choose to make changes to his starting XI at St Andrew’s, and there are certainly some individuals that will be fearing for their spot in the side.

Here are three Newcastle players that deserve to be dropped for the trip to the Midlands on Saturday…

Mohamed Diame

The midfielder replaced Ayoze Perez in the starting line-up for the visit of Fulham last weekend, but it was another below-par performance from the Senegalese midfielder.

Situated just behind Dwight Gayle, the 29-year-old struggled to make an impression and offer an attacking threat and he was replaced by Daryl Murphy on the hour mark, with the striker going on to score his side’s only goal.

Perhaps Diame has himself realised that his showings haven’t been good enough after he announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.

Matt Ritchie

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While the Scottish winger has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 35 Championship fixtures this season, he has perhaps struggled to make as much of an impression in recent weeks.

With one goal in his last eight league appearances – and having struggled to provide much of an attacking spark in the last two fixtures – he could be one of the surprise names that is dropped by Benitez this weekend if the Spaniard decides to shake up his starting XI.

Vurnon Anita

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The right-back endured a torrid time in the clash against Fulham at St James’ Park last weekend, and it is a performance that could cost the Dutchman his spot in the side.

Cottagers winger Ryan Sessegnon – who is 16 years of age – ran rings around him during the 3-1 defeat, and Rafa Benitez could choose to instead select Jesus Gamez in his place for the trip to St Andrew’s, with the Spaniard becoming more involved in recent weeks.