The midfielder's last start came in a 2-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth, and he's been restricted to just seven appearances all season due to injury.

But he made a goalscoring return from the bench against his old side Arsenal at the weekend, and now comes into the starting XI at Ewood Park as one of five changes to the team beaten heavily by the Gunners last time out.

Martin Dúbravka returns in goal after illness, replacing Loris Karius between the posts.

Dan Burn returns to defence while Jamaal Lascelles is also handed a starting berth, and will captain Eddie Howe's team. Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schär complete the back line.

Willock joins Bruno Guimarães and Sean Longstaff (whose first goal for Newcastle came on this ground in the FA Cup in January 2019) in midfield, while Jacob Murphy comes into the attack. Anthony Gordon will provide further support to main frontman Alexander Isak.

Eddie Howe is also able to name Elliot Anderson - who has been out due to injury since October - on the bench.

The other substitutes are Emil Krafth, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Matt Ritchie, Lewis Miley, Harvey Barnes and Miguel Almirón, with Karius the back-up goalkeeper.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthny Gordon

Substitutes: Loris Karius, Emil Krafth, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Matt Ritchie, Lewis Miley, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almirón