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Team news: Haidara and Tiote start
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Massadio Haidara and Chieck Tiote both make their first starts of the season as Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez makes eight changes to his line-up for today’s Third Round FA Cup clash at Birmingham City.
Haidara has not made an appearance of any kind for United this term, while Tiote’s only outing came as a substitute in September’s 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw at Aston Villa.
Only Vurnon Anita, Jamaal Lascelles and Jack Colback remain from the eleven who began Monday’s defeat at Blackburn Rovers.
Matz Sels replaces Karl Darlow in between the sticks, while Grant Hanley partners Lascelles in the heart of the backline.
DeAndre Yedlin returns on the right-hand side of defence, while Achraf Lazaar – not included in Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations squad – starts for the first time since November.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy start up front as the Magpies look to progress beyond the last 64 for the first time since 2012.
Newcastle United: Matz Sels, DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Grant Hanley, Massadio Haidara, Achraf Lazaar, Cheick Tiote, Jack Colback, Vurnon Anita, Daryl Murphy, Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie, Yoan Gouffran, Dwight Gayle.