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Team news: First start of the season for Hayden
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Isaac Hayden has been handed his first start of the season as Newcastle United welcome Arsenal to St. James’ Park.
The midfielder’s only previous appearance this term came in the Magpies’ 0-0 draw at Cardiff City last month, in which he was sent off after coming on as a half-time substitute.
With Jonjo Shelvey only making the bench, Hayden partners Mohamed Diamé in the engine room, with Rafa Benítez seemingly reverting to a 4-2-3-1 formation for the Gunners’ visit.
Martin Dúbravka again starts in goal, with DeAndre Yedlin able to play from the off despite having just got back from international duty with the United States – who took on Mexico in Nashville as recently as Wednesday.
New father Jamaal Lascelles plays alongside Federico Fernández in central defence, with Paul Dummett at left back.
Out wide, Matt Ritchie returns to action after sitting out United’s last two games, with Jacob Murphy on the opposite flank. Having started on the wing against Manchester City a fortnight ago, Ayoze Pérez returns to the No. 10 role this afternoon, providing support to lone frontman Joselu.
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernández, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diamé, Isaac Hayden, Jacob Murphy, Ayoze Pérez, Joselu.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark, Kenedy, Jonjo Shelvey, Yoshinori Muto, Salomón Rondón.