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Team news: Isaac starts at centre half
Written by Tom Easterby
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has named his final team of the season ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Barnsley at St. James’ Park – a game which could help decide the Sky Bet Championship title.
United must better Brighton & Hove Albion’s result at Aston Villa if they’re to lift the winners’ trophy on Tyneside in front of a sell-out crowd this afternoon.
And Benitez has shuffled his pack following last week’s win over Cardiff City, with Isaac Hayden –a scorer in Wales – dropping from his usual midfield berth to centre half to partner Chancel Mbemba.
Rob Elliot continues in goal, with DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett lining up either side of that centre back pairing.
On-loan winger Christian Atsu and Yoan Gouffran will start on the flanks in midfield, with Jack Colback and Jonjo Shelvey in the middle.
And Ayoze Perez will provide support just behind lone frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic, with Daryl Murphy and leading goalscorer Dwight Gayle – back from injury – providing attacking reinforcements from the bench.
Karl Darlow, Vurnon Anita, Massadio Haidara, Achraf Lazaar and Mohamed Diame are also named among the substitutes by Benitez.
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Rob Elliot; DeAndre Yedlin, Chancel Mbemba, Isaac Hayden, Paul Dummett; Yoan Gouffran, Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Colback, Christian Atsu; Ayoze Perez; Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Vurnon Anita, Massadio Haidara, Achraf Lazaar, Mohamed Diame, Dary Murphy, Dwight Gayle.