DEMBA Ba has been demoted to the substitutes' bench as Newcastle United take on Everton at Goodison Park this evening.

Alan Pardew has made the surprise decision to drop Ba as he shuffles his attakcing pack on Merseyside.

The Senegal international is replaced by Sylvain Marveaux, who is expected to line up on the right-hand side with Hatem Ben Arfa starting on the opposite flank.

Vurnon Anita plays at the heart of midfield in place of the injured Cheik Tiote, and further injuries have forced Pardew into a major reshuffle at the back.

Steve Harper replaces Tim Krul in goal, James Perch lines up at right-back in place of the injured Danny Simpson and Mike Williamson deputises for Fabricio Coloccini at the heart of the back four.

EVERTON (4-4-2): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Osman, Neville, Fellaini, Pienaar; Jelavic, Mirallas.

Subs: Mucha (gk), Heitinga, Naismith, Gueye, Coleman, Anichebe, Duffy.

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Harper; Perch, Williamson, S Taylor, Santon; Anita, Gutierrez; Marveaux, Cabaye, Ben Arfa; Cisse.

Subs: Elliot (gk), Tavernier, Gosling, Bigirimana, Obertan, Shola Ameobi, Ba.