United welcome Saints to St. James’ Park (5.30pm kick-off) eight days on from their 1-0 win at Leicester City, and Benítez has opted to field the same 11 players who started in that victory at the King Power Stadium.

That means Martin Dúbravka continues in goal behind a backline featuring Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett, with Javier Manquillo and Matt Ritchie on the flanks.

Further forward, Isaac Hayden will partner Ki Sung-yueng in central midfield, while Ayoze Pérez – the matchwinner against the Foxes last time out – and Miguel Almirón will provide support for frontman Salomón Rondón.

Karl Darlow is on the bench, along with DeAndre Yedlin, Federico Fernández and Mo Diamé.

Jonjo Shelvey, Christian Atsu and Yoshinori Muto are the other options for Benítez to call upon if required, with the Magpies looking for a sixth home victory in seven outings.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie; Isaac Hayden, Ki Sung-yueng; Ayoze Pérez, Miguel Almirón; Salomón Rondón.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, DeAndre Yedlin, Federico Fernández, Mo Diamé, Jonjo Shelvey, Christian Atsu, Yoshinori Muto.