Rafael Benítez will be back in the Newcastle dugout after his hernia-related operation. His return means Mark Hughes can expect a warm welcome. José Mourinho may have declined to shake the Stoke manager’s hand last weekend but Benítez is a Hughes fan. “I don’t have any problems with Mark,” he said. “He’s a good manager, doing a great job. There won’t be any problems.” Louise Taylor
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue St James’ Park
Last season n/a
Referee Stuart Atwell
This season G1, Y1, R0, 1 card per game
Odds H 2-1 A 12-5 D 23-10
Newcastle Utd
Subs from Darlow, Woodman, Lejeune, Mbemba, Yedlin, Shelvey, Aarons, Diamé, Atsu, Gayle, Saivet
Doubtful None
Injured Dummett (hamstring, Nov), Haïdara (knee, unknown)
Suspended Mitrovic (second of three)
Form LLWW
Discipline Y9 R1
Leading scorers Clark, Joselu, Lascelles, Mitrovic 1
Stoke City
Subs from Grant, Haugaard, Johnson, Tymon, Adam, Sobhi, Verlinden, Berahino, Crouch, Martins Indi
Doubtful Shawcross (back)
Injured Ngoy (thigh, 23 Sep), Cameron (hamstring, 30 Sep), Ireland (leg, Oct), Afellay (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Form LWDD
Discipline Y3 R0
Leading scorer Choupo-Moting 2