Team News: Steven Taylor back for Newcastle United

Steven Taylor will make his first start for Newcastle United since August as the Magpies welcome West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

The change is one of four from manager Steve McClaren following the defeat at Everton on Wednesday night, with Taylor and Rolando Aarons coming in for the injured Chancel Mbemba and Paul Dummett in the backline.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is picked to lead the line ahead of Ayoze Perez, while Cheick Tiote comes in for January signing Henri Saivet in midfield.

For West Bromwich Albion, Tony Pulis makes two changes to the side that salvaged a 1-1 draw with Swansea City in the dying moments of their midweek encounter.

James Chester comes in for Jonny Evans after the centre-back suffered a hamstring injury during the contest, while Salomon Rondon is rewarded for his last-minute equaliser with a start at the expense of Stephane Sessegnon.

Once again, Saido Berahino is confined to a start on the bench.

Newcastle United: Elliot; Janmaat, Taylor, Coloccini, Aarons; Sissoko, Tiote, Shelvey, Townsend; Wijnaldum; Mitrovic Subs: Darlow, Gibson, Williams, Barlaser, Saivet, Perez, Doumbia

West Bromwich Albion: Foster; Olsson, Chester, Yacob, Gardner, Anichebe, McClean, McAuley, Fletcher, Dawson, Sandro Subs: Myhill; Pocognoli, Lambert, Berahino, Pritchard, Sessegnon, Rondon

Follow live coverage of the game from the North East with Sports Mole's text commentary here.