Gayle struck both of the Magpies’ goals against Leeds United on Sunday, but will start on the bench this afternoon.

At the back, Spaniard Jesus Gamez is one of three players re-introduced to the United backline, with DeAndre Yedlin and Chancel Mbemba also returning to the fray.

In the absence of skipper Jamaal Lascelles – who has been named as a substitute – Jonjo Shelvey takes over the armband.

Alongside Shelvey, Isaac Hayden comes in for the injured Jack Colback.

Elsewhere, Christian Atsu – who struck for the first time at St. James’ Park against Cardiff City three weeks ago – replaces Yoan Gouffran.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow; DeAndre Yedlin, Ciaran Clark, Chancel Mbemba, Jesus Gamez; Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden; Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez, Christian Atsu; Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Substitutes: Matz Sels, Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles, Vurnon Anita, Mohamed Diame, Yoan Gouffran, Dwight Gayle.

Blackburn Rovers: Jason Steele, Derrick Williams, Jason Lowe, Charlie Mulgrew, Darragh Lenihan, Craig Conway, Corry Evans, Liam Feeney, Ben Marshall, Sam Gallagher, Danny Graham.

Substitutes: David Raya, Anthony Stokes, Marvin Emnes, Hope Akpan, Ryan Nyambe, Wes Brown, Elliott Bennett.