TOMORROW’S game between Aston Villa and Newcastle United will see two Champions League-winning managers go head-to-head in the Championship for the first time, and Rafael Benitez feels the presence of both he and Roberto Di Matteo confirms the growing strength of the second tier.

Benitez returns to Villa Park for the first time since May’s goalless draw that effectively confirmed Newcastle’s relegation with his side sitting third in the table despite last weekend’s surprise home defeat to Wolves.

Four months ago, Villa were under the short-term control of Eric Black, but since being relegated to the Championship alongside the Magpies, the Midlands club have been bought out by a Chinese businessman and seen Di Matteo arrive as manager.

The Italian won the Champions League while in charge of Chelsea, with Benitez landing Europe’s biggest prize during his time at Liverpool, and the Newcastle boss feels the presence of some of the world’s leading managers confirms the Championship’s standing in comparison to some of the continent’s other major leagues.

“It’s a sign of the growing strength of the division,” said Benitez. “You can see a lot of good players and good managers at big clubs.

“It is one of the strongest leagues in the world, fifth or sixth in terms of money and people. It’s really important and the big clubs mean it’s getting bigger. This is a big game and shows how important the Championship is around the world.”

Benitez has no new injury problems to contend with, but is expected to once again shuffle his pack in the wake of Tuesday’s EFL Cup win over Wolves.

The likes of Matz Sels, Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba, Paul Dummett and Dwight Gayle will hope to return to the starting line-up, although DeAndre Yedlin will continue at right-back in place of the suspended Vurnon Anita.

“He (Yedlin) has already shown that he is a good player,” said Benitez. “He is experienced in English football, and he can do well for us.”