The Magpies were 3-1 winners against Nottingham Forest at St. James' Park on Friday night, but Benitez has resisted the temptation to name the same XI against Blackburn Rovers.

Vurnon Anita replaces DeAndre Yedlin at right-back, Yoan Gouffran returns in place of Christian Atsu and Mohamed Diame comes in for Ayoze Perez.

Paul Dummett makes his 100th appearance for his boyhood club in all competitions. There's also a place on the bench for Daryl Murphy.

Karl Darlow retains his place in goal while the defence is made up of Anita, skipper Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Dummett.

Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden are the central midfielders with Matt Ritchie and Gouffran out wide. Diame plays behind Dwight Gayle, who has shrugged off the knock which forced him off late on against Forest.

Matz Sels is the substitute goalkeeper while Achraf Lazaar and Chancel Mbemba are joined by Yedlin, Atsu, Perez and Murphy.

Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Karl Darlow; Vurnon Anita, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett; Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Jack Colback, Yoan Gouffran; Mohamed Diame; Dwight GayleSubstitutes: Matz Sels, DeAndre Yedlin, Achraf Lazaar, Chancel Mbemba, Christian Atsu, Ayoze Perez, Daryl Murphy