However, it is likely to prove a difficult task, with Blackburn four points clear at the top of the division and beaten just once since the start of the New Year.

In contrast, the Magpies have lost their last four in the league and sit just a place off the bottom of the table. They will, however, be buoyed by their progress in a string of cup competitions, including the Premier League International Cup, in which they saw off Sunderland in dramatic fashion in their last outing five days ago.

Newcastle won 2-0 in the corresponding fixture last term, with Stuart Findlay and Callum Roberts on target. The wide-man moved into double figures for the current campaign by scoring at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

Veteran midfielder Peter Whittingham, who has yet to play a first-team game for Blackburn this year, could be among those to figure for the home side.

Admission for tonight’s clash is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.