The Magpies cruised past Brentford on Wednesday to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals and Howe has opted to make just the solitary alteration to his side for their final pre-Christmas outing - and it is an enforced one, with the suspended Joelinton missing out and Willock stepping into the midfield in his place.

Martin Dúbravka continues to deputise for Nick Pope in goal, with Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall forming a now settled back four.

Willock is in midfield alongside Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, with Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon either side of Alexander Isak in attack.

Lewis Miley is back on the bench, with Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and Sean Longstaff also named.

Matt Targett and Lloyd Kelly provide defensive backup, with Miguel Almirón and Will Osula more attacking reinforcements. Odysseas Vlachodimos is the substitute goalkeeper.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.

Substitutes: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Kieran Trippier, Lloyd Kelly, Matt Targett, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Miguel Almirón, Will Osula.