Newcastle vs QPR - Rafael Benitez will ring the changes for Newcastle's match against QPR

Posted Wednesday, February 01, 2017 by PA

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez will rotate his squad once again for the visit of QPR after making nine changes for Saturday's 3-0 defeat FA Cup defeat at the Oxford.

Only Ayoze Perez and Isaac Hayden retained their places from the 4-0 victory against Rotherham in their last Sky Bet Championship match, with the likes of midfielders Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey and defenders Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles to return to the starting line-up.

Aleksandar Mitrovic could retain his place after making his first appearance in three weeks with a gashed knee but is facing competition from Daryl Murphy to lead the line for the Magpies but Ivory Coast international Cheikh Tiote will not be involved after he agreed a move to China.

Top goalscorer Dwight Gayle is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a hamstring injury while full-back Vurnon Anita (ankle) and midfielder Rolando Aarons (knee) remain on sidelines for the long-term.

QPR boss Ian Holloway could hand out two debuts as his side seek a third successive away victory at St James Park.

Midfielder Sean Goss and winger Luke Freeman could make their first starts for the club after joining the club in the last few days from Manchester United and Bristol City respectively.

Striker Matt Smith is ineligible to feature so will have to wait until the trip to Blackburn on Saturday to make his debut, while Conor Washington is pushing for a starting place after scoring in the 2-1 defeat against Burton on Saturday.

Jack Robinson (hamstring) is still not match-fit while centre-back Steven Caulker will not be available with Lokomotiv Moscow looking to sign him on loan for the rest of the season.