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Newcastle v Liverpool: Tiote Returns
Written by Newcastle Utd
Cheick Tiote is back in the Newcastle United starting line-up as they entertain Liverpool this afternoon in Premier League action
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Cheick Tiote is back in the Newcastle United starting line-up as they entertain Liverpool this afternoon at the Sports Direct Arena (1.30pm kick-off).
The midfielder has missed the last two matches with a thigh strain, sustained at Arsenal, but is fit again and returns to the heart of the Magpies' team.
Tiote's inclusion - in place of injured captain Fabricio Coloccini - is the only change from last Sunday's victory at West Bromwich Albion, and so it means a slight reshuffle by manager Alan Pardew.
Tiote will slot in alongside Yohan Cabaye and Danny Guthrie in the middle of the park. while Jonas Gutierrez, who is United's captain today, will play at left-back, with James Perch moving to the centre-back berth which he excelled in during the second half at the Hawthorns.
And Pardew is expected to keep faith with a 4-3-3 formation, with Hatem Ben Arfa, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba forming the attacking trio.
On the substitutes' bench there is a return for Ryan Taylor, who has recently been sidelined by a calf complaint, while Haris Vuckic and Shola Ameobi provide the attacking threat among the replacements.
Liverpool name former Newcastle duo Jose Enrique and Andy Carroll in their starting line-up, in what will be the pair's first return to Tyneside since their respective transfers.
Another ex-Magpie, Craig Bellamy, is expected to play on the left-hand side of midfield, with youngster Jonjo Shelvey on the other flank.
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, James Perch, Jonas Gutierrez (c); Danny Guthrie, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye; Hatem Ben Arfa, Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Shane Ferguson, Davide Santon, Dan Gosling, Ryan Taylor, Haris Vuckic, Shola Ameobi
Liverpool (4-4-2): Pepe Reina; Jon Flanagan, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique; Jonjo Shelvey, Steven Gerrard (c), Jay Spearing, Craig Bellamy; Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez
Substitutes: Alexander Doni, Fabio Aurelio, Sebastian Coates, Maxi Rodriguez, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Dirk Kuyt