Team News: Demba Ba returns for Newcastle United

Demba Ba has returned from the African Cup of Nations to take his place in the Newcastle United starting lineup for today's match with Aston Villa.

The striker partners Leon Best, while James Perch has come into the midfield.

Injury has ruled out James Collins for visiting Villa, who start with Robbie Keane and Darren Bent up front.

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; R.Taylor, Guthrie, Perch, Gutierrez; Best, Ba.

Villa: Given; Hutton, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock; N'Zogbia, Ireland, Petrov, Clark; Bent, Keane.