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Lee Ryder

Newcastle United team news: Benitez names midfield pairing facing uncertain future at Fulham

Rafa Benitez named both Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame in his midfield engine room for the clash at Fulham.

With Ki injured, Isaac Hayden moved to an unfamiliar wing-back position and Christian Atsu stayed in the starting XI. Benitez also included youngsters Lewis Cass and Kell Watts as subs as a reward for good seasons in the second string.

Salomon Rondon started what could be his last game in the number 9 shirt. United can finish no higher than 13th this season but before the game, Benitez said: “This year we were thinking maybe we can finish seventh, but it was impossible.

“To be consistent you have to have everything in place. When you have Fulham and Wolves promoted and they are spending £100m it is totally different. To be where we are is a great achievement.”

Starting XI : Dubravka, Dummett, Schar, Lascelles, Ritchie, Hayden, Perez, Shelvey, Diame, Atsu, Rondon.

Subs : Darlow, Clarke, Muto, Kenedy, Fernandez, Cass, Watts

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