News. Team news: Ritchie's return

20180224-matt-ritchie
Published
24 Feb 18

Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie will start on his first return to former club AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Ritchie, part of the Cherries side who won two promotions from League One and the Championship in the space of three seasons under Eddie Howe, will line up for the Magpies at the Vitality Stadium, a year and a half after leaving the south coast club.

Martin Dúbravka continues in goal after his outstanding debut in the 1-0 win over Manchester United last time out, with DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett keeping their places in defence.

Ritchie starts on the right hand side of midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diamé again paired in the centre, with Chelsea loanee Kenedy on the left.

And Ayoze Pérez - scorer of the winner against Bournemouth on United's last visit in 2015 - will provide support for Dwight Gayle in attack.

On the bench, manager Rafa Benítez can call upon Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo and Ciaran Clark, while Isaac Hayden and Mikel Merino are also named. Christian Atsu and Joselu are two further options for Newcastle.

Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Martin Dúbravka; DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Paul Dummett; Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diamé, Kenedy; Ayoze Pérez; Dwight Gayle.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, Christian Atsu, Joselu.

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