The skipper has missed the last four matches with an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League win over PSG - with United failing to win any of the games in his absence.

So his comeback is timely, particularly as seven of his eight goals this term have come on Tyneside.

Yoane Wissa - a substitute at Manchester City in midweek - starts against his former club while Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes also come into the XI.

Aaron Ramsdale, Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey and Nick Woltemade drop to the bench while Anthony Gordon misses out through injury. Lewis Miley has also lost his fitness battle.

Sven Botman makes a century of appearances for the club and will wear the number 100 on the front of his shirt.

Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali, Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimarães (c)

Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, Leo Shahar, Sean Neave