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Newcastle v Blackburn: Same Again For Magpies
Written by Newcastle Utd
Newcastle United name the same starting line-up as they entertain Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Journalist
Alan Pardew has kept faith with his Premier League starting line-up as Newcastle entertain Blackburn Rovers at St. James' Park today (3pm kick-off).
United made nine changes in midweek for their Carling Cup victory at Nottingham Forest, but Pardew has reverted to the same side which drew at Aston Villa in league action last weekend.
It means Demba Ba is once again given the nod alongside three-goal leading scorer Leon Best, while Gabriel Obertan and Jonas Gutierrez will be entrusted to supply the strikers from either flank.
On the bench there is an inclusion for goalkeeper Steve Harper, at the expense of Rob Elliot, while Hatem Ben Arfa continues his comeback from a pre-season ankle knock by being named among the substitutes.
Blackburn are also back to full-strength following a raft of changes from their midweek cup clash with Leyton Orient. They will be looking to build on an impressive victory over Arsenal last weekend, and have plenty of strength at the back through Christopher Samba and Scott Dann, while there is also the goal threat of Yakubu to deal with.
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan, Yohan Cabaye, Cheik Tiote, Jonas Gutierrez; Leon Best, Demba Ba
Subs not used: Steve Harper, James Perch, Danny Guthrie, Sylvain Marveaux, Sammy Ameobi, Hatem Ben Arfa, Peter Lovenkrands
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): Paul Robinson; Michel Salgado, Christopher Samba (c), Scott Dann, Gael Givet; Junior Hoilett, Steven N'zonzi, Jason Lowe, Martin Olsson; Mauro Formica, Yakubu
Subs: Mark Bunn, Grant Hanley, Vince Grella, Radosav Petrovic, Simon Vukcevic, Ruben Rochina, Jason Roberts