Newcastle United news: Benitez faces media, Lascelles on Gayle

Benitez will speak to journalists at 1pm ahead of tomorrow's match at St James's Park.

Newcastle lead the Championship by five points, while Blackburn are third-bottom.

For news and updates from Benitez's media call, go to our live blog here.

Newcastle United Foundation ambassador Ayoze Perez spoke about the demands of the Championship at a community event yesterday.

Also, captain Jamaal Lascelles has a simple message for Dwight Gayle, the club's leading scorer.

Finally, Blackburn manager Owen Coyle has made a bold prediction ahead of his team's visit to Tyneside.