Bentaleb – who arrived at St. James’ Park from Schalke a week past Tuesday – played more than 80 minutes against Oxford United in the FA Cup last Saturday, and now comes in for his first Premier League appearance since January 2016.

Elsewhere, there are three changes to the side who drew 0-0 against the U’s, starting in goal, where Martin Dúbravka takes over from Karl Darlow.

While DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie continue as wing backs, there is a tweak in the heart of the Magpies’ defence, with Federico Fernández preferred to Fabian Schär. Bentaleb, meanwhile, is partnered by Isaac Hayden in central midfield, with Sean Longstaff among the substitutes.

United’s front three of Miguel Almirón, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton is unchanged, but with Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto all missing, Steve Bruce’s side are without a recognised striker on the bench.

Both Rose and Lazaro will be hoping to feature at some point, however, as Newcastle look to put further distance between themselves and the bottom three.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, DeAndre Yedlin, Federico Fernández, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Nabil Bentaleb, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almirón, Joelinton.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Fabian Schär, Florian Lejeune, Danny Rose, Valentino Lazaro, Sean Longstaff, Christian Atsu.