Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke were both left out of the starting line-up during Saturday's win at Middlesbrough, where new signing Jon Stead was an instant hit with the winner on his debut.
The former Huddersfield Town hit-man is a strong contender to keep his place, and fellow January recruit Martin Andresen is also in the squad for the first time since his loan move from Stabaek.
Cole will be itching to face the club where he really made his name but precocious youngster Paul Gallagher is also fighting to keep his place.
Newcastle have a major doubt over Jonathan Woodgate who has been feeling pain in his groin so Robbie Elliott is in the squad with Andy Griffin still ruled out.
On the plus front, Sir Bobby Robson has seen Laurent Robert return to training after visiting a specialist in Paris to look at a knee problem, and Craig Bellamy, although being eased back into the fray, looks a likely starter.
The Wales international will not be risked if he does not feel 100 percent, but came on as a substitute against Leicester City at the weekend, and can be expected to figure prominently.
Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas should shrug off knocks in order to take their place in The Magpies' midfield.
