RAFAEL BENITEZ has been forced to make three changes to his Newcastle United side for this afternoon's Premier League game at Huddersfield Town.

The Magpies manager is without two of the defenders that started last weekend's 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham, with Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett both having picked up injuries against Spurs.

Jamaal Lascelles will partner Chancel Mbemba at the heart of the Newcastle back four, with Ciaran Clark shuffling across to fill in at left-back.

The other alteration comes at the heart of midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey starting a three-match suspension following his dismissal on the first weekend of the season.

Mikel Merino replaces Shelvey in central midfielder, having joined Newcastle earlier this season on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund.

Huddersfield boss David Wagner has made one change to the side that beat Crystal Palace last weekend as the Terriers prepare for their first Premier League home game. Rajiv van la Parra has been promoted to the starting line-up ahead of Kasey Palmer.

HUDDERSFIELD (4-2-3-1): Lossl; Smith, Jorgensen, Schindler, Lowe; Mooy, Billing; Kachunga, Ince, van la Parra; Mounie.

Subs: Coleman (gk), Malone, Lolley, Williams, Quaner, Hefele, Palmer.

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Elliot; Manquillo, Lascelles, Mbemba, Clark; Merino, Hayden; Ritchie, Perez, Atsu; Gayle.

Subs: Darlow (gk), Saivet, Aarons, Diame, Murphy, Joselu, Mitrovic