Rafa wary of well-drilled Terriers

The Terriers have racked up six wins in their last eight outings in the Sky Bet Championship, and will close to within five points of United – with a game in hand – should they emerge victorious tomorrow.

David Wagner’s side are unbeaten on their own turf since November, and overcame the Magpies at St. James’ Park a week into the new season.

Chasing a return to the top-flight for the first time in 45 years, Benitez feels that Huddersfield may just start to feel the heat as the business-end of the campaign draws near, but does not expect anything to change in their approach tomorrow.

“In the first game against them, they were well-organised, pressing well, and now they are doing more-or-less the same. Because they play so many games, and they train so often together, they are getting better. They have more confidence. They were playing without pressure, but now they may start feeling the pressure because they are at the top of the table,” he said.

“They seem to have this feeling they will play the same way against anyone – it doesn’t matter the name of the other team. That is important for them. When you repeat and repeat the same way to play and you are doing well, it means you know exactly what to do. They adjust little things like the way they press, or the way they move the ball depending on the opponents, but they know exactly what they are doing.”

Benitez confirmed that Dwight Gayle is back in contention for tomorrow’s clash, the Magpies’ leading goalscorer having sat out last week’s draw against Bristol City, as well as Tuesday night’s dramatic victory at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Though United have continued to rack up points in Gayle’s absence, the Spaniard believes the frontman’s return to fitness will serve as a boost to the whole of the squad.

“We have won a lot of games without him, but he is the top scorer in our team, the top scorer in the league, and he is someone who has different qualities and movements to the other strikers,” Benitez said.

“If you create a couple of chances, he is someone who can take one or two. It is always important for the other players, because you know that even if he is not playing at his best level he can still make the difference.”

Both Rolando Aarons (knee) and Isaac Hayden (ankle) remain sidelined for the Magpies' trip to West Yorkshire, in what will be their first competitive fixture at the John Smith’s Stadium.