BRISTOL CITY (4-2-3-1):
O’Donnell 5; Matthews 5 (Little 21, 6), Flint 6, Magnusson 6, Golbourne 5 (O’Dowda 64, 5); O’Neil 7, Reid 6; Kodjia 5, Tomlin 6, FREEMAN 7; Abraham 6 (Wilbraham 72).
Subs (not used): O’Leary (gk), Williams, Brownhill, Pack.
NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
3 Sels: Was a bag of nerves whenever the ball went into the box and set up Bristol City’s two best chances of the game
7 Anita: Has successfully established himself at right-back, and looks more comfortable in the position than in midfield
8 MBEMBA: Marked the dangerous Abraham out of the game and increasingly looks a cut above Championship level
7 Lascelles: Justified his recall to the starting line-up with a committed, controlled and error-free defensive display
8 Clark: Looked much better at left-back than he had at centre-half and provided some welcome physicality to the full-back berth
6 Hayden: Another accomplished display in both defence and attack, although he wasted two decent headed chances
7 Colback: Dogged and disciplined throughout – is a much better option than Shelvey in a game like this
6 Ritchie: His set-piece deliveries are a major asset and he has already cemented his position on the right of Newcastle’s midfield
8 Diame: Still isn’t 100 per cent fit, but delivered a superb pass for Gayle’s goal and beefed up the Newcastle midfield
6 Gouffran: Has made a pleasing return in the last two games and proved he has something to offer at this level
7 Gayle: Scored his fourth goal in the last three games and increasingly looks at home as the leader of the Newcastle line
Subs:
5 Perez (for Diame, 63): Still has to come to terms with life in the Championship, where his lack of physical strength is an issue
Shelvey (for Hayden, 86)
Aarons (for Gayle, 88)
(not used): Darlow (gk), Sterry, Dummett, Hanley.
Man Of The Match: CHANCEL MBEMBA – Ensured Bristol City’s plentiful possession came to nothing, and looks the most accomplished of Newcastle’s central defenders.
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