Newcastle United’s starting XI against Nottingham Forest features two changes from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Luton Town.
In a fresh injury concern for the Magpies, captain Jamaal Lascelles drops out of the matchday squad after limping off in the 37th minute at Kenilworth Road.
In Lascelles’ place, Sven Botman makes his first Premier League start since September. The other change sees Alexander Isak selected ahead of Callum Wilson in attack.
Meanwhile, Joelinton is back among the substitutes after missing the previous two matches with a hamstring issue.
Saturday’s defeat to Luton saw the Magpies suffer their fourth consecutive Premier League away defeat with only the Hatters and Sheffield United picking up fewer points this season.
But at St James’ Park, Howe’s men have been pretty unstoppable.
They’ve beaten Aston Villa, Brentford, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Only Liverpool have prevented United from taking maximum points.
The stark difference between Newcastle’s home and away form has put them seventh in the top-flight table but can move one place higher with a win over Forest.
“Regardless of home and away we are desperate for another fixture very quickly and the Luton game to the back of our minds,” said Howe.
“Our home form has been really strong. It is a great environment for us to play and express ourselves.
“It’s a really tough game as well and we are looking forward to it.
“Whenever you play a team that has changed manager that is an interesting dynamic. Potential changes tactically, so we are going to have to be well prepared for the match.”
Here’s Newcastle United’s starting XI and subs in full:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian has kept just one clean sheet in six matches since stepping in for the injured Nick Pope.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
The England man was one of Newcastle’s better performers in the defeat to Luton. United need Trippier back to his best.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
A big boost to see Schar back on the pitch at Luton after he missed the previous match at Chelsea with a glute issue.
4. CB: Sven Botman (in for Jamaal Lascelles)
The Dutchman is edging closer to full match sharpness after getting 54 minutes under his belt at Luton.
In Lascelles’ place, Sven Botman makes his first Premier League start since September. The other change sees Alexander Isak selected ahead of Callum Wilson in attack.
5. LB: Dan Burn
The Blyth-born defender got the nod ahead of Tino Livramento at Luton and could do again on Boxing Day.
6. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian has really stepped up in recent months amid the injury crisis. If Bruno plays well, so do Newcastle.
7. CM: Lewis Miley
Retains his place in the starting XI despite being brought off after 37 minutes at Luton.
8. CM: Sean Longstaff
Longstaff didn’t have his best of games at Kenilworth Road but his energy has proven key to Howe’s midfield.
9. RW: Miguel Almiron
Almiron scored in the 3-0 win v Fulham last time out at St James’ Park but overall, the Paraguayan has struggled in the final third of late.
10. RW: Anthony Gordon
Gordon hasn’t looked 100 per-cent fit of late but injuries in the forward area has allowed the winger little rest.
11. ST: Alexander Isak (in for Callum Wilson)
Starts for the first time since the 4-1 defeat at Spurs earlier this month.
12. SUB:Loris Karius
