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Newcastle v Preston: Mitrovic Starts
Written by Dan King
Rafa Benitez has made seven changes to his last starting XI for tonight's EFL Cup last-16 tie against Preston North End - but there are still eight full internationals in the Newcastle side.
Aleksandar Mitrovic is handed a start, while Chancel Mbemba comes back into the team alongside Grant Hanley and Matz Sels is in goal.
Isaac Hayden is also given an opportunity, with Jonjo Shelvey rested. Jack Colback, Matt Ritchie, DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett - who captains the side - are the four players who remain from Saturday's 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Sels plays behind a defence of Yedlin, Hanley, Mbemba and Dummett, with Hayden and Colback in midfield. Ritchie, Mo Diame and Christian Atsu will be tasked with supporting main frontman Mitrovic.
Benitez also names a strong bench which includes Shelvey. The other substitutes are Karl Darlow, Vurnon Anita, Ciaran Clark, Yoan Gouffran, Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle.
Preston, meanwhile, have made nine changes. Former Newcastle defender Paul Huntington captains the Lilywhites against his old club.
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Matz Sels; DeAndre Yedlin, Chancel Mbemba, Grant Hanley, Paul Dummett (c); Isaac Hayden, Jack Colback; Matt Ritchie, Mo Diame, Christian Atsu; Aleksandar Mitrovic
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Vurnon Anita, Ciaran Clark, Jonjo Shelvey, Yoan Gouffran, Ayoze Perez, Dwight Gayle
Preston North End (4-4-2): Anders Lindegaard; Bailey Wright, Paul Huntington (c), Ben Davies, Tommy Spurr; Chris Humphrey, Liam Grimshaw, Ben Pringle, Alan Browne; Eoin Doyle, Simon Makienok
Substitutes: Chris Maxwell, Tom Clarke, Paul Gallagher, Daniel Johnson, Callum Robinson, Jordan Hugill, Jermaine Beckford