Having watched Brighton and Hove Albion reclaim top spot in the Championship last night, the pressure is on Newcastle United to keep up with their closest challengers ahead of the visit of Rotherham today.
While the Millers are nine points adrift in the Championship, the Magpies need to avoid slip-ups today and Rafa Benitez has rather predictably made a raft of changes from the side that progressed into the next round of the FA Cup during mid-week.
As expected, the likes of Karl Darlow and Daryl Murphy – the Toon’s two most important players during that nervy win over Brentford – return to the ranks, while it’s the first league game Jonjo Shelvey is available for following his five-game suspension.
The England international proved just what a difference he makes against the Blues and his return to Championship action is a huge bonus for Rafa Benitez as he bids to restore Premier League status.
So, without further ado, here’s the team in full.
TEAM NEWS: Here's how Newcastle United will line up against @OfficialRUFC at St. James' Park this afternoon (kick-off 3pm GMT). #NUFC pic.twitter.com/0rM86bpIbf
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 21, 2017
