Aleksandar Mitrovic, Chancel Mbemba and Jesus Gamez start for Newcastle

Rafa Benitez has named his starting XI for Newcastle United's home game against Blackburn Rovers.

Benitez's Championship-leading side take on the league's third-bottom team at St James's Park this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Dwight Gayleplaceholder image
Dwight Gayle

United are five points clear at the top of the division after a run of eight successive league victories.

Two goals from Dwight Gayle saw Newcastle beat Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road last weekend.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Darlow; Yedlin, Mbemba, Clark, Gamez; Shelvey, Hayden; Ritchie, Perez, Atsu; Mitrovic.

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