Confirmed Newcastle v Preston lineups: Darlow dropped, Clark starts

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Newcastle United take on Preston North End in the Championship this evening…

Newcastle can return to the Premier League at the first time of asking this evening, with a win over Preston North End enough to win promotion.

A year ago, the Magpies were on the verge of relegation from the Premier League, and after a strong season in the Championship, they are closing in on a return to the top flight.

Rafael Benitez has gone with Rob Elliot in goal rather than Karl Darlow, with a back four Vurnon Anita, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett, whilst Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden feature in holding midfield.

Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie start out wide, with Ayoze Perez playing just off Aleksandar Mitrovic in attack, given that Dwight Gayle remains out through injury.

Darlow is named on the bench, alongside DeAndre Yedlin, Chancel Mbemba, Jack Colback, Yoan Gouffran, Mohamed Diame and Daryl Murphy.

Meanwhile, Simon Grayson’s Preston have also enjoyed a promising season, but have now lost their last three games and are in danger of ending their season with a whimper.

North End are decimated at the back due to Alex Baptiste’s suspension and major injuries to Tom Clarke and Greg Cunningham, meaning Everton loanee Tyias Browning comes in a right back, forming a defence alongside Andy Boyle, Paul Huntington and Tommy Spurr in front of goalkeeper Chris Maxwell.

Alan Browne, Paul Gallagher and Daniel Johnson all start in midfield, with wingers Aiden McGeady and Tom Barkhuizen called up on to support lone striker Jordan Hugill this evening.

North End have attacking options on the bench in Daryl Horgan, Callum Robinson, Stevie May and Jermaine Beckford, alongside Anders Lindegaard, Marnick Vermijl and Ben Pringle.