United can move into tenth place with a victory against the Cottagers tonight (kick-off 8pm) and of the players who started in Wednesday's away defeat against Leeds United, only six remain in the XI for the Magpies' penultimate fixture of 2020 at St. James' Park.

Karl Darlow continues in between the sticks, while there is a first league start of the season for right-back DeAndre Yedlin as well as Paul Dummett, who last played a competitive match for United back in January, while Federico Fernández and Ciaran Clark remain at the heart of Newcastle's backline.

Shelvey, who was an unused substitute against Leeds on Wednesday, returns to the starting line-up as captain and will partner Sean Longstaff in the middle of the park, while Matt Ritchie and Miguel Almirón will aim to support Joelinton and Callum Wilson, currently on seven league goals this term, in attack.

Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden, Jacob Murphy, Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser all drop to the substitutes' bench this evening while there are also spots for Emil Krafth, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow, DeAndre Yedlin, Federico Fernández, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Jonjo Shelvey (c), Sean Longstaff, Matt Ritchie, Miguel Almirón, Joelinton, Callum Wilson.

Substitutes: Mark Gillespie, Emil Krafth, Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden, Jacob Murphy, Jeff Hendrick, Ryan Fraser, Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll.