Revealed! Rafa Benitez's Tyne-Wear derby starting XI
Manager Benitez has made two changes for this afternoon's game against Sunderland (1.30pm kick-off).
Defender Chancel Mbemba and winger Andros Townsend are recalled to the starting XI, while Steven Taylor and Vurnon Anita drop to the bench.
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Hide AdMidfielder Jonjo Shelvey wears the captain's armband in the absence of injured skipper Fabricio Coloccini.
Relegation-threatened Newcastle are looking to end Sunderland's run of six successive derby defeats.
NEWCASTLE UNITED: Elliot; Janmaat, Mbemba, Lascelles, Colback; Sissoko, Shelvey, Wijnaldum, Townsend; Perez, Mitrovic. Subs: Darlow, Taylor, Anita, Saivet, De Jong, Riviere, Cisse.
SUNDERLAND: Mannone, Yedlin, Kone, Kaboul, van Aanholt, Kirchhoff, M’Vila, Rodwell, Khazri, Borini, Defoe. Subs: Jones, Cattermole, Pickford, N’Doye, O’Shea, Lens, Toivonen.
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