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Team news: Skipper starts, Roberts on bench
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Rafa Benítez has brought eight players back into Newcastle United’s starting line-up for today’s pivotal Premier League clash against Cardiff City at St. James’ Park.
Of those who kicked off Tuesday night’s 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers in the Emirates FA Cup, only Fabian Schär, Sean Longstaff and Matt Ritchie retain their place.
Schär is part of a three-man central defence, alongside Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune – the former passed fit after limping out of the Magpies’ Ewood Park clash. Martin Dúbravka, meanwhile, returns between the posts.
Ritchie and DeAndre Yedlin are expected to start as wing backs, with Longstaff joining Isaac Hayden in the middle of the park.
Leading goalscorer Salomón Rondón will lead the line on his own, with Christian Atsu and Ayoze Pérez providing support.
On the bench, there is a place for youngster Cal Roberts, who notched his first senior goal for the club against Rovers on Tuesday.
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, DeAndre Yedlin, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Ayoze Pérez, Salomón Rondón.
Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Jamie Sterry, Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark, Cal Roberts, Jacob Murphy, Joselu.