Gayle’s last start – against Aston Villa last month – ended less than 35 minutes in, but the Magpies’ leading goalscorer has featured at both Huddersfield Town and Reading in the past week, netting in the former fixture.

Behind him, Mohamed Diame comes in for Ayoze Perez in the No. 10 position, while Christian Atsu replaces Yoan Gouffran out wide.

Elsewhere, there is one change in the backline, as Jesus Gamez – who made his first Sky Bet Championship start in more than three months at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday – drops out for Vurnon Anita.

There is an attacking look to the United bench, where Gouffran and Perez are joined by Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy.

Serbian frontman Mitrovic started the Magpies’ last home game – against Bristol City a fortnight ago – but has not featured since.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow; Vurnon Anita, Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett; Jack Colback, Jonjo Shelvey; Christian Atsu, Mohamed Diame, Matt Ritchie; Dwight Gayle.

Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Jesus Gamez, Grant Hanley, Yoan Gouffran, Ayoze Perez, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Daryl Murphy.