Confirmed Newcastle v Burton Albion lineups: Mbemba starts, Ameobi on the bench

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Newcastle United host Burton Albion in the Championship this evening…

The Magpies beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, but dropped back down to second place on Tuesday night after Brighton’s win over Birmingham City.

Tonight, Newcastle can move back to top of the table with a win over Burton Albion, with Rafael Benitez making a couple of changes to his side.

Chancel Mbemba is handed a rare start at centre back alongside Jamaal Lascelles, with the DR Congo international coming in for Grant Hanley, who drops to the bench.

Vurnon Anita and Paul Dummett keep their places at full back, whilst in an attacking line-up, Mohamed Diame drops back to replace Jack Colback as Jonjo Shelvey’s partner in midfield.

Christian Atsu and Ayoze Perez are brought into the side to support Dwight Gayle along with Matt Ritchie, with Yoan Gouffran joining Hanley, Rob Elliot, Jesus Gamez, Massadio Haidara, Sammy Ameobi and Daryl Murphy on the bench.

Meanwhile, Burton Albion are looking to guarantee their Championship status, and have lost just one of their last eight league games.

The Brewers picked up a stunning 1-0 away win over promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon, and will be hoping to do it again tonight.

Saturday’s matchwinner Jackson Irvine starts with Luke Murphy and Lasse Vigen Christensen in midfield, whilst strikers Marvin Sordell, Luke Varney and Lucas Akins all start.

Lloyd Dyer, Michael Kightly and Stephen Bywater are all on the bench, along with Fulham-owned striker Cauley Woodrow, who has enjoyed a loan spell at the Pirelli Stadium.