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Team news: Five changes for Emirates encounter
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Rafa Benítez has made five changes to his starting line-up as Newcastle United look to halt a poor run of form against Arsenal this afternoon.
Rob Elliot – a substitute in each of the Magpies’ last four outings – has been preferred to Karl Darlow in goal.
In contrast to the rest of the team, the United backline is unchanged, with Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune forming a central partnership and Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin again on the left and right respectively.
With Jonjo Shelvey suspended, Isaac Hayden returns to the engine room, playing alongside Mikel Merino, who keeps his place in the side.
For the first time this season, Matt Ritchie starts a Premier League game on the bench, with Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy chosen as the Magpies’ wide-men.
Up front, Joselu comes in for Dwight Gayle, with Ayoze Pérez – a replacement for Mohamed Diamé – providing support in the No. 10 role.
On the bench, there is a place for Paul Dummett, who has not appeared for Newcastle since the opening day of the season.
Newcastle United: Rob Elliot, DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo, Christian Atsu, Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, Jacob Murphy, Ayoze Pérez, Joselu.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Mohamed Diamé, Matt Ritchie, Rolando Aarons, Dwight Gayle.