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Newcastle v West Ham: Ferguson Starts
Written by Newcastle Utd
Shane Ferguson has been handed a starting spot for Newcastle United as they entertain West Ham United on Sunday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Shane Ferguson has been handed a starting spot for Newcastle United as they entertain West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon (3pm kick-off).
It is the 21-year-old's second league start of the season and his eighth appearance in all competitions.
Ferguson's Premier League debut came when these two sides last met - in January 2011. On that evening the Northern Ireland international was a second half substitute as Newcastle ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.
His inclusion is one of nine changes from the team which took to the field against Club Brugge on Thursday night - the only survivors being goalkeeper Tim Krul and centre-back Mike Williamson.
In come Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Davide Santon, Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse.
Ferguson is expected to line-up on the left-hand side of midfield at St. James' Park, with captain for the day Jonas Gutierrez moving inside to take up a central role.
The Magpies' seven-goal leading scorer Demba Ba will be hoping to add to his tally against his former side, having spent a prolific near-five month spell at Upton Park during 2011, which ultimately ended with the Hammers' relegation.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has named an attack-minded substitutes' bench, with Thursday night goalscorer Vurnon Anita joined by the likes of Romain Amalfitano, Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan and Shola Ameobi.
West Ham name former Magpies duo Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll in their starting line-up, while ex-Sunderland man George McCartney will be at left-back for the visitors.
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Steven Taylor, Davide Santon; Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez (c), Shane Ferguson; Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Vurnon Anita, Gael Bigirimana, Romain Amalfitano, Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan, Shola Ameobi
West Ham United (4-4-1-1): Jussi Jaaskelainen; Joey O'Brien, Winston Reid, James Tomkins, George McCartney; Yossi Benayoun, Mark Noble, Mohamed Diame, Matt Jarvis; Kevin Nolan (c); Andy Carroll
Substitutes: Raphael Speigel, Guy Demel, James Collins, Gary O'Neil, Robert Hall, Modibo Maiga, Carlton Cole
Referee: Mike Dean (The Wirral)