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Confirmed: Benitez’s injury-hit Newcastle side to hopefully beat Birmingham City in the FA Cup tonight

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Image for Confirmed: Benitez’s injury-hit Newcastle side to hopefully beat Birmingham City in the FA Cup tonight

The games keep coming thick and fast for Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United as the Magpies welcome fellow Championship side Birmingham City to St. James’ Park tonight in a replay of their FA Cup 3rd-round tie. 

The Spaniard has quite the injury crisis to contend with after Isaac Hayden, Dwight Gayle and Vurnon Anita all picked up knocks during the vital win over Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday. So, ahead of their league game against Rotherham on the weekend, the 56-year-old has made what few changes he can.

As the Toon Army look to win their first FA Cup game in years tonight, there are starts for the likes of Matz Sels and Achraf Lazaar, two summer signings who have struggled for game time for various reasons thus far.

Young Dan Barlaser is also handed a starting berth, along with Stuart Findlay and Yasin Ben El-Mhanni for their debuts, while Cheick Tiote makes probably his last appearance for the Magpies.

Following injuries to the likes of Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Benitez has opted to rest Daryl Murphy after his two goals in two games, including the opener against the Blues in the reserve fixture.

See the team in full below!

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