Barton starts for Newcastle

ALAN Pardew has named Joey Barton in Newcastle United's starting line-up for this evening's Premier League opener with Arsenal. The controversial midfielder is included in the Magpies' XI despite the recent events that saw him slapped on the transfer list at St James' Park. Pardew has held a number of talks with Barton in the last 48 hours, and clearly feels the 28-year-old has a future on Tyneside. As expected Tim Krul starts in goal against the Gunners, with former number one Steve Harper not even making the substitutes' bench. Ryan Taylor is expected to start at left-back following Jose Enrique's departure to Liverpool, and there is a competitive debut for Yohan Cabaye in midfield. Another summer signing, Demba Ba, starts in attack, partnering Shola Ameobi. NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Krul; Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, R Taylor; Barton, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez; Shola Ameobi, Ba. Subs: Forster (gk), Williamson, Lovenkrands, Gosling, Best, Obertan, Sammy Ameobi. ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szcesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs; Song, Ramsey; Rosicky, Arshavin, Gervinho; van Persie. Subs: Fabianski (gk), Walcott, Chamberlain, Djourou, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Chamakh.

Source: Northern_Echo