The Magpies’ line-up for the game at St. James’ Park will be exactly the same as it was in their last competitive outing, the 3-0 win over Southampton three weeks ago.

But there is a new face on the bench, as loan forward Islam Slimani takes his place in the squad for the first time, having recovered from injury.

That means Martin Dúbravka will continue in goal, with DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett making up the back four.

Matt Ritchie, who has also overcome an injury, starts on the right-hand side of midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey partnering Mohamed Diamé in the middle and Kenedy on the left.

And Ayoze Pérez will provide support for Dwight Gayle in attack, with Slimani named among the substitutes.

Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo and Ciaran Clark are also named on the bench, along with Isaac Hayden, Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu.

And Algerian frontman Slimani, who is yet to make his United debut, completes the list of players available for Benítez to introduce from the sideline.

Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Martin Dúbravka; DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Paul Dummett; Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diamé, Kenedy; Ayoze Pérez; Dwight Gayle.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Hayden, Jacob Murphy, Christian Atsu, Islam Slimani.