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Chris Watson

'Shock' - Newcastle United fans react as team to face Chelsea is confirmed

Newcastle United fans have welcomed Dwight Gayle's inclusion in the team to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Steve Bruce has handed Gayle his first start of the season - in the absence of leading scorer Callum Wilson, who is faces a few weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Gayle was one of four changes to the side that beat Southampton 3-2 last time out, with Emile Krafth, Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles also recalled.

The former Crystal Palace front man got the nod ahead of Joelinton and Andy Carroll.

Meanwhile, Ryan Fraser, Jacob Murphy and Matty and Sean Longstaff had to settle for places on the bench.

Newcastle supporters have been giving their reaction to the team news on social media.

One said on Twitter: "Hayden back in midfield and Gayle starting instead of Joelinton. We have half a chance here lads and lasses."

Another tweeted: "Great to see Dwight Gayle starting!"

Meanwhile, a third fan said: "Other than the shock of seeing Lascelles, it's probably the side I'd have gone with."

As for Chelsea, Tammy Abraham was the only outfield player to retain his starting spot following the FA Cup fifth round victory at Barnsley.

Kepa Arrizabalaga also kept his place as he was handed a first Premier League appearance since October, with Edouard Mendy left on the bench.

Marcos Alonso got the nod ahead of Ben Chilwell at left wing-back, with Callum Hudson-Odoi expected to line up on the right.

Mason Mount was back in midfield, as were Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic.

Up front, Abraham was partnered by Timo Werner.

CHELSEA: Kepa, Hudson-Odoi, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Abraham, Werner.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis, Hayden, Shelvey, Willock, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Gayle.

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