Vurnon Anita makes his first start since January as he comes in for DeAndre Yedlin at right back, while Daryl Murphy also earns a start up front, replacing Yoan Gouffran.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow continues between the sticks, with Anita, captain Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett making up the back four.

Matt Ritchie starts wide on the right, with Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback occupying the engine room and Christian Atsu again lining up on the left flank.

And Mohamed Diame starts just behind Republic of Ireland frontman Murphy at the John Smith's Stadium.

Leading goalscorer Dwight Gayle returns to the bench after recovering from a hamstring problem, while Rob Elliot, Jesus Games, DeAndre Yedlin and Grant Hanley are also among the replacements available to Benitez.

And Gouffran and Tuesday night's matchwinner Ayoze Perez complete the list of substitutes.

Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Karl Darlow; Vurnon Anita, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett; Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Colback, Christian Atsu; Mohamed Diame; Daryl Murphy.

Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Jesus Gamez, DeAndre Yedlin, Grant Hanley, Yoan Gouffran, Ayoze Perez, Dwight Gayle.