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Bolton v Newcastle: Three Changes For Trotters Clash
Written by Newcastle Utd
Mike Williamson, Yohan Cabaye and Ryan Taylor all return to the United line-up for today's trip to Bolton Wanderers
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Alan Pardew has made three changes to Newcastle United's starting line-up as they head to Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day (3pm kick-off).
Central defender Mike Williamson returns to the side for his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury back in August, while Yohan Cabaye is back in the centre of midfield having served a one-game ban, and Ryan Taylor steps in at left-back.
The trio replace Davide Santon - who is ruled out by a knee complaint - and James Perch and Haris Vuckic, who both drop down to the bench.
It means that 13-goal top scorer Demba Ba is once again partnered by Leon Best up front, with Hatem Ben Arfa, Sammy Ameobi and Shola Ameobi all offering attacking options from the sidelines.
Bolton have made two changes, both in the full-back positions. Dedryck Boyata and Paul Robinson replace Gretar Steinsson and Marcos Alonso respectively, while centre-back David Wheater is back on the bench having served a four-game ban.
Bolton Wanderers (4-4-2): Jussi Jaaskelainen; Dedryck Boyata, Zat Knight, Gary Cahill (c), Paul Robinson; Mark Davies, Fabrice Muamba, Nigel Reo-Coker, Martin Petrov; Ivan Klasnic, David Ngog
Substitutes: Adam Bogdan, Sam Ricketts, David Wheater, Darren Pratley, Chris Eagles, Tuncay, Kevin Davies
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan, Yohan Cabaye, Cheick Tiote, Jonas Gutierrez; Leon Best, Demba Ba
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Shane Ferguson, James Perch, Haris Vuckic, Hatem Ben Arfa, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi