Rafael Benitez has made three changes to Newcastle United's starting lineup for this afternoon's Premier League meeting with Huddersfield Town.

The Magpies hand a debut to Mikel Merino at the John Smith's Stadium in place of the suspended Jonjo Shelvey, while Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba also come in.

Benitez has had his hand forced somewhat, as Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett miss out through the injuries picked up in the 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur a week ago on their return to the top flight.

Huddersfield show just the one alteration from their impressive 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on the opening day, meanwhile, with Rajiv van La Parra given the nod to replace Chelsea loanee Kasey Palmer.

The Terriers, without injured quartet Nahki Wells, Jonathan Hogg, Martin Cranie and Jon Gorenc Stankovic today, also make a change on the bench as Joe Lolley is among the matchday squad.

Huddersfield beat Newcastle 2-1 wat St James' Park last season, but that is their only victory in their last 11 league and cup meetings in this fixture.

Huddersfield Town: Lossl; Smith, Zanka, Schindler, Lowe; Billing, Mooy, Ince, Van La Parra, Kachunga; Mounie
Subs: Coleman, Malone, Lolley, Williams, Quaner, Hefele, Palmer

Newcastle United: Elliot; Manquillo, Lascelles, Mbemba, Clark; Hayden, Mikel Merino; Ritchie, Ayoze Perez, Atsu; Gayle
Subs: Darlow, Saivet, Aarons, Diame, Murphy, Joselu, Mitrovic

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