Gayle comes in to the starting line-up to replace the injured Callum Wilson at Stamford Bridge, making his first league start of the campaign in the process.

Elsewhere, Steve Bruce has brought defender Ciaran Clark - who missed last weekend’s 3-2 win over Southampton - back in to partner captain Jamaal Lascelles, who himself has recovered from injury, at centre half, while Emil Krafth replaces Javier Manquillo at right back for the game against Thomas Tuchel’s men.

Karl Darlow continues in goal, with Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis in front of him.

Jonjo Shelvey plays in central midfield alongside loanee Joe Willock, who enjoyed a goalscoring debut in that victory over the Saints.

And Miguel Almirón and Allan Saint-Maximin will look to provide the ammunition for Gayle up front as United look to pull themselves even further away from the bottom three.

Both Longstaff brothers, Sean and Matty, are named among the substitutes with Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy, Ryan Fraser and Paul Dummett.

And Andy Carroll and Joelinton can provide some extra firepower from the bench, should Bruce require it against the Blues.

Martin Dúbravka is the Magpies’ back-up goalkeeping option.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow; Emil Krafth, Isaac Hayden, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis; Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock; Miguel Almirón, Dwight Gayle, Allan Saint-Maximin.

Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Matty Longstaff, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Ryan Fraser, Andy Carroll, Joelinton.