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Team news: Hayden handed start at Anfield
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has handed Isaac Hayden a first start in over a month as he shuffles his pack for Thursday night’s clash with Liverpool.
The Magpies head to Anfield (8pm kick-off) looking for a first away win of the campaign and midfielder Hayden has been restored to the starting line-up for the first time since November’s 1-1 draw with Brighton – a game in which the 26-year-old netted Newcastle’s equaliser.
He will partner Jonjo Shelvey in the middle of the park, with leading goalscorer Callum Wilson – who is one yellow card away from a suspension – named among the substitutes on Merseyside.
Elsewhere, there are starts for Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser as head coach Howe looks for victory over an in-form Reds side who have won their last seven games in all competitions.
Martin Dúbravka continues in goal, with Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis lining up in defence.
Scotland international Fraser replaces Miguel Almirón in midfield, with Hayden coming in for Joe Willock and Shelvey retaining his spot in the engine room.
And Murphy is handed a chance to impress further forward as part of a three-pronged attack alongside Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Howe has named a strong-looking bench, with Wilson, Almirón and Willock all among the substitutes.
Ciaran Clark and Matt Ritchie provide defensive reinforcements, with Jeff Hendrick and Sean Longstaff the backup options in midfield.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is also named on the bench, alongside forward Dwight Gayle.
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis; Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey; Jacob Murphy, Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Miguel Almirón, Dwight Gayle, Callum Wilson.