The former Stoke City frontman will lead the line in the absence of last year’s leading goalscorer Dwight Gayle, who manager Rafa Benítez admitted was a doubt on Friday.

Rob Elliot returns in goal, with Javier Manquillo, captain Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Chancel Mbemba – the only player to keep his place after the Carabao Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest in midweek – making up the back four.

Matt Ritchie starts on the right, with Isaac Hayden partnering Mikel Merino in central midfield and Christian Atsu lining up wide on the left.

And Ayoze Pérez will provide support for Joselu in attack, as United go in search of their first Premier League points of the season.

Freddie Woodman is the substitute goalkeeper, while Jesús Gámez, Henri Saivet and Mohamed Diamé are also among the substitutes.

There’s plenty of attacking firepower available to Benítez, too, with Rolando Aarons, Jacob Murphy and Aleksandar Mitrović also among the substitutes for the visit of Slaven Bilić’s Hammers.

Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Rob Elliot; Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles ©, Ciaran Clark, Chancel Mbemba; Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, Christian Atsu; Ayoze Pérez; Joselu.

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Jesús Gámez, Henri Saivet, Mohamed Diamé, Rolando Aarons, Jacob Murphy, Aleksandar Mitrović.