Newcastle vs Ipswich - No new injury concerns for Newcastle ahead of Ipswich showdown

Rafael Benitez has no new injury concerns as Newcastle attempt to cement their place at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table against Ipswich.

Defender Chancel Mbemba remains a doubt after suffering a nasty grass burn to his leg in training, with the risk of infection having ruled him out of the last two games. The DR Congo international has not played for the club since the 2-0 home defeat by Wolves on September 17.

Goalkeeper Rob Elliot has returned to training after knee ligament damage and is close to challenging Karl Darlow and Matz Sels for a place in the squad, while Massadio Haidara (also knee) and Rolando Aarons (fractured metatarsal) are making progress.

Tuesday night's 2-0 win at Barnsley - the Magpies' fourth victory on the trot - took them to the top of the table for the first time this season.

Ipswich will check on the fitness of midfielder Cole Skuse, who picked up a toe problem during the midweek win over Burton.

Forward David McGoldrick, who has been out since August with an ankle ligament injury, should be back in the squad.

On-loan Crystal Palace midfielder Jonny Williams has also been in full training again after a thigh problem ruled him out against Burton, while Jonathan Douglas should be in contention after recovering from some fluid on the knee.

Forward Luke Varney (hamstring) will also be assessed, but Luke Hyam (knee), defender Tommy Smith (back) and striker Brett Pitman (ankle) remain sidelined.