Pep Guardiola’s side arrive at St. James’ Park (8pm kick-off) and Benítez has opted to make seven changes to the side who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Watford in the FA Cup at the weekend, handing starts to all 11 players who started that win over the Bluebirds on Saturday, 19th January.

That means Martin Dúbravka returns in goal, with DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Fabian Schär and Matt Ritchie in front of him.

Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff continue in midfield, with Christian Atsu earning a start.

And further forward, Ayoze Pérez provides support for leading scorer Salomón Rondón.

Six of United’s seven substitutes were starters in Saturday’s game against the Hornets: Freddie Woodman, Javier Manquillo, Federico Fernández, Ciaran Clark, Jacob Murphy and Kenedy.

There is also a place on the bench for winger Callum Roberts, who netted against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup earlier this month.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Fabian Schär, Matt Ritchie; Christian Atsu, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff; Ayoze Pérez; Salomón Rondón.

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Javier Manquillo, Federico Fernández, Ciaran Clark, Callum Roberts, Jacob Murphy, Kenedy.