Willock - who began his career with the Gunners before joining United in 2021 - comes in for the suspended Bruno Guimarães in the only alteration from the United team that beat Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Saturday, meaning Sven Botman keeps his place at the back and Martin Dúbravka continues in goal as the Magpies look to give themselves a platform on which to build ahead of the second leg at St. James' Park this month.

Tino Livramento, Botman, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall form a back four in front of Dúbravka at the Emirates Stadium, with Willock linking up with Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in the middle of the park.

And the in-form trio of Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak start in attack as Howe's men attempt to continue their fine recent run, which has seen them win their last six games in all competitions.

There are options aplenty on the bench for Howe, with Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almirón and Will Osula the most attack-minded of them.

Defensively, Kieran Trippier, Lloyd Kelly and Matt Targett provide backup, while Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley are the midfield reinforcements. Odysseas Vlachodimos is the substitute goalkeeper.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.

Substitutes: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Kieran Trippier, Lloyd Kelly, Matt Targett, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almirón, Will Osula.