The United head coach has opted to keep faith with the same starting 11 that beat Fulham 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, meaning Paraguayan international Almirón - who missed the win at Craven Cottage through illness - has to make do with a place among the substitutes.

That means that Martin Dúbravka will be between the sticks at Villa Park (kick-off 8:15pm GMT), with a familiar backline of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman and Dan Burn in front of him.

Bruno Guimarães anchors the side in the middle of the park, with Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley either side of the Brazilian and Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon on the flanks.

And Alexander Isak, who netted twice against Villa in the Magpies' 5-1 victory on the opening day of the campaign, leads the line for Howe's men.

Almirón is joined by fellow experienced pros Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius and Emil Krafth on the bench, while Tino Livramento, Travis Hernes and Joe White - who recently returned from a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra - are the more youthful options among the substitutes.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, Dan Burn; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Miley; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.

Substitutes: Loris Karius, Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Paul Dummett, Lewis Hall, Matt Ritchie, Joe White, Travis Hernes, Miguel Almirón.