Javier Manquillo, Jonjo Shelvey, Jacob Murphy, Mohamed Diamé and Ayoze Pérez all come into the Magpies side for United’s first game of 2018 at the bet365 Stadium, replacing Paul Dummett, Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, Joselu and Dwight Gayle, who are named among the substitutes.

Karl Darlow continues in goal, with DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Manquillo in defence.

Further forward, Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu both retain their places, with Murphy, Shelvey and Diamé also earning starts, along with Pérez.

Freddie Woodman, Dummett and Massadio Haidara are named as substitutes, as are Hayden and Merino.

And former Stoke frontman Joselu is one of two forwards Benítez can opt to call upon from the bench, along with Dwight Gayle.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow, DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Javier Manquillo, Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diamé, Jonjo Shelvey, Christian Atsu, Jacob Murphy, Ayoze Pérez.

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Paul Dummett, Massadio Haidara, Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, Dwight Gayle, Joselu.