Benitez taking nothing for granted

Rafael Benitez has warned his Newcastle players that they still have plenty of work to do if they are to earn promotion this season.

Following their relegation from the top flight last term, the Magpies have spent big in a bid to achieve a speedy return.

The influx of players led to a sluggish start to the new campaign, with defeats to Fulham and Huddersfield casting doubts over their squad’s suitability to the division but they have since hit back by recording four straight Championship victories.

That run has seen them rise to second in the standings, and they will be hoping to extend that run away at Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday.

Newcastle are 13/10 to win in West London, while the draw is 11/5 and the Hoops 13/5.

The competitive nature of the Championship means that a team’s fortunes can change extremely quickly and Benitez is certainly not taking anything for granted following their strong run of form.

Speaking ahead of the QPR game, the 56-year-old says he is determined to ensure his players do not lose focus and has warned them that they have not achieved anything yet.

“I am not too worried about the table,” he told reporters. “The main thing is to win games consecutively and keep on improving.

“If we can carry on doing the same, I will be pleased. After that maybe we will look at the table. We just have to concentrate and stay focused.

“We must approach every game with the same mentality, we’ve done nothing yet. We have to carry on working hard.”

Newcastle are 1/3 to be promoted this season, while they are 11/8 to win the Championship outright.

Source: bet365.com