Source: Northern_Echo
Changes galore for Tyne-Tees derby
SHOLA Ameobi and Marlon Harewood return to action as Newcastle host Middlesbrough in the Tyne-Tees derby at St James' Park this afternoon.[LNB] The strike duo both sat out last weekend's 2-2 draw at Barnsley, but they are paired together today as the Magpies look to extend their seven-point lead at the top of the Championship.[LNB] Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has made four changes to the side that played at Oakwell, with Danny Simpson returning to replace Ryan Taylor at right-back and Danny Guthrie slotting back into midfield in preference to Nicky Butt.[LNB] Boro boss Gordon Strachan has made three changes to the team that lost at home to Cardiff last weekend.[LNB] Leroy Lita replaces Marcus Bent in attack, Julio Arca takes over from Mark Yeates in midfield, and Justin Hoyte returns to the back four in place of the ineligible Sean St Ledger. Hoyte is expected to play at left-back, with Emanuel Pogatetz partnering David Wheater at the heart of the back four.[LNB] NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Guthrie, Smith, Nolan, Gutierrez; Ameobi, Harewood.[LNB] Subs: Krul (gk), R Taylor, Kadar, Butt, Pancrate, Ranger, Lovenkrands.[LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Jones; McMahon, Wheater, Pogatetz, Hoyte; O'Neil, Williams, Osbourne, Arca; Lita, Kitson.[LNB] Subs: Coyne (gk), Taylor, Riggott, Yeates, Bent, Franks, L Williams.[LNB]
