United face the Hammers looking for a fourth successive Premier League win, following the triumphs over Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa.

And head coach Howe has made some alterations to his side for the trip to the capital, with on-loan full back Matt Targett returning to the starting line-up, along with defender Emil Krafth and winger Jacob Murphy.

All three changes are injury-enforced, with Kieran Trippier, Javier Manquillo and Allan Saint-Maximin all sidelined.

Martin Dúbravka continues in goal, with Sweden international Krafth coming in at right back and Targett returning at left back, with Fabian Schär and Dan Burn at the heart of the Magpies’ defence.

Jonjo Shelvey will anchor the midfield once again, with Joelinton and Joe Willock either side of him in the engine room.

And further forward, frontman Chris Wood will have support from Ryan Fraser and Murphy, who will line up on the right and left flank respectively.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles is back from injury and has been named among the substitutes alongside January arrival Bruno Guimarães, with Paul Dummett and Federico Fernández providing defensive back-up.

Along with Brazil international Guimarães, Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almirón are the reinforcements if required in the middle of the park, while Dwight Gayle could also be called upon from the sidelines.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow and youngster Lucas De Bolle completes the list of substitutes available to Howe against David Moyes’ men.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Targett; Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton; Ryan Fraser, Chris Wood, Jacob Murphy.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernández, Paul Dummett, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Miguel Almirón, Lucas De Bolle, Dwight Gayle.