Allan Saint-Maximin will return to Newcastle United’s starting line-up for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at St. James’ Park (5:30pm kick-off).
Head coach Steve Bruce has made six changes to his side following Tuesday night’s FA Cup third round replay victory over Rochdale, welcoming back winger Saint-Maximin – who has been out since December’s win over Southampton – along with the fit-again Jonjo Shelvey and Ciaran Clark, while Martin Dúbravka, Federico Fernández and Jetro Willems also start against Frank Lampard’s side.
In front of goalkeeper Dúbravka, Krafth returns to the right wing-back role after playing more centrally in midweek, with Fernández, Jamaal Lascelles and Clark at the heart of the defence and Willems on the left.
Shelvey partners Isaac Hayden in midfield with Joelinton retaining his place up front, where United’s number nine will have support from Saint-Maximin and the in-form Miguel Almirón on the flanks.
The Magpies’ bench is a strong one, with Fabian Schär, Florian Lejeune, Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu named as substitutes.
And the Longstaff brothers, Sean and Matty, are also on the bench along with Karl Darlow.
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Emil Krafth, Federico Fernández, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Jetro Willems; Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden; Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Miguel Almirón.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Fabian Schär, Florian Lejeune, Matt Ritchie, Matty Longstaff, Sean Longstaff, Christian Atsu.