Newcastle v Cardiff: Shola Starts

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Shola Ameobi returns to the Newcastle United starting line-up for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Cardiff City at St. James' Park (3pm kick-off).

The long-serving front man, who is out of contract in the summer, netted his second goal of the season a fortnight ago against Swansea, and is handed another start at home by Magpies boss Alan Pardew.

Ameobi replaces midfielder Dan Gosling and his inclusion is United's only change from Monday night's defeat at Arsenal, although it should mean a slight tactical change.

Newcastle are expected to line-up in a 4-4-2 formation with goalkeeper Tim Krul behind a back four of Mathieu Debuchy, Mike Williamson, captain Fabricio Coloccini and Paul Dummett.

French pair Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran will take up roles on either flank, with Cheick Tiote and Vurnon Anita patrolling the middle of the park.

And up top, Ameobi will be joined by 13-goal leading scorer Loic Remy.

On the substitutes' bench, there are places for Gosling, fit-again Dutch forward Luuk de Jong, Adam Armstrong, Steven Taylor, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Massadio Haidara and Rob Elliot.

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Mathieu Debuchy, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Paul Dummett; Moussa Sissoko, Cheick Tiote, Vurnon Anita, Yoan Gouffran; Shola Ameobi, Loic Remy

Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Steven Taylor, Dan Gosling, Luuk de Jong, Adam Armstrong

Cardiff City (4-5-1): David Marshall; Fabio, Steven Caulker (c), Ben Turner, Declan John; Peter Whittingham, Aron Gunnarsson, Kim Bo-Kyung, Jordon Mutch, Wilfried Zaha; Fraizer Campbell

Substitutes: Joe Lewis, Kevin McNaughton, Magnus Wolff Eikrem, Don Cowie, Jo Inge Berget, Craig Bellamy, Kenwyne Jones

Referee: Martin Atkinson (Yorkshire)