United take on Bruce’s old side at Villa Park (8pm kick-off), where French flier Saint-Maximin’s return to the squad after recovering from COVID-19 has boosted the visitors’ ranks.

The Newcastle head coach has opted to put him on the bench, though, with Hendrick coming in to a wide midfield berth in place of Joelinton, Hayden replacing Matty Longstaff and Manquillo and Schär coming in for Emil Krafth and a Federico Fernández respectively following last Monday’s defeat at Arsenal.

Karl Darlow continues in goal behind a back four of Manquillo, Schär, captain Jamaal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis.

Hendrick lines up on the right of midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden in the middle of the park and Miguel Almirón wide on the left.

And leading goalscorer Callum Wilson is again paired with Andy Carroll in attack.

Krafth is the only defender on the bench, with Martin Dúbravka the back-up goalkeeping option.

Matty Longstaff, Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser - who is back from suspension - are also named, with Joelinton, Dwight Gayle and Saint-Maximin the other options further forward.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow; Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis; Jeff Hendrick, Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, Miguel Almirón; Andy Carroll, Callum Wilson.

Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Emil Krafth, Matty Longstaff, Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser, Dwight Gayle.