Wood - who has two goals to his name from his past three league outings - has been given the nod by head coach Howe despite Wilson's return to fitness, with United's number nine named among the substitutes.

That means it's an unchanged side for Newcastle, who could move back into second spot with a victory in front of their own supporters in the 3pm kick-off.

The hosts will kick-off with a now-familiar backline comprising Kieran Trippier, who wears the captain's armband, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman and Dan Burn.

Further forward, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock both line up either side of midfield linchpin Bruno Guimarães in the middle of the park, with leading goalscorer Miguel Almirón and Joelinton selected out wide on the right and left flank respectively.

That leaves Wood, who netted the Magpies' opener from the penalty spot in the 3-0 win at Leicester City on Boxing Day, to lead the line against Jesse Marsch's men, who arrive on Tyneside in 15th place in the table.

Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are the stand-out attacking options on the bench, with Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson also named.

Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis and Matt Ritchie provide defensive backup, with Karl Darlow also included.

Newcastle United: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, Dan Burn; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Joe Willock; Miguel Almirón, Callum Wilson, Joelinton.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis, Matt Ritchie, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson.