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Team news: Slimani starts
Written by Tom Easterby
Islam Slimani will make his first start for Newcastle United in Monday night’s Premier League clash at Everton (8pm kick-off).
Rafa Benítez has handed the Algerian frontman, who is on loan from Leicester City, a full debut for the Magpies at Goodison Park, where United go in search of a fifth successive league victory.
It is the only change the Newcastle boss has made to the side that beat Arsenal 2-1 last Sunday, with Martin Dúbravka continuing in goal behind a back four of DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett.
In-form Matt Ritchie continues on the right-hand side of midfield, with Mohamed Diamé and Jonjo Shelvey in the middle and Kenedy on the left.
And Ayoze Pérez, another key player during United’s fine recent run, will provide support for Slimani in attack.
Mikel Merino returns to the squad, but aside from that Benítez has named the same substitutes as he did last weekend, with Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Hayden, Jacob Murphy, Merino and Dwight Gayle making up the bench.
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Paul Dummett; Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diamé, Jonjo Shelvey, Kenedy; Ayoze Pérez; Islam Slimani.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, Jacob Murphy, Dwight Gayle.