Christian Atsu handed full Newcastle debut against Rotherham, Matt Ritchie on bench

Rafa Benitez has named his starting XI for this afternoon's game against Rotherham United.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Oct 2016, 13:02 BST

Updated 5th Oct 2016, 13:59 BST

Newcastle United take on the Championship's basement club at the AESSEAL New York Stadium (3pm kick-off).

Benitez has handed a full debut to winger Christian Atsu, signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Atsu starts ahead of Matt Ritchie, who is among the substitutes for third-placed Newcastle.

Vurnon Anita returns from suspension, while DeAndre Yedlin drops down to the bench.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Darlow; Anita, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Shelvey, Colback; Atsu, Diame, Gouffran; Gayle. Subs: Sels, Hanley, Ritchie, Hayden, Mbemba, Yedlin, Mitrovic.

ROTHERHAM UNITED: Camp; Fisher, Fry, Ball, Mattock; Taylor, Adeyemi, Frecklington, Newell; Brown, Ward. Subs: Price, Vaulks, Forde, Forster-Caskey, Halford, Wilson, Blackstock.

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