Newcastle could hand a debut to new signing Zurab Khizanishvili when they host Championship basement side Plymouth.
The 27-year-old Georgia international completed a three-month loan move from Blackburn on Thursday and goes straight into caretaker manager Chris Hughton's squad.
Alan Smith is available again after missing Wednesday night's shock defeat at Blackpool through suspension.
Smith is likely to come straight back into the Magpies' starting XI, although Hughton told the club's official website: "We've got a lot of options in the midfield area and I've got a few choices to make."
Hughton has no fresh injury concerns, with Shola Ameobi (foot) and Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) the only current absentees.
Andy Carroll scored against Blackpool on his return to the side following a groin injury. The young striker will hope to retain his place in the side this weekend, while Peter Lovenkrands is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench against the Seasiders.
Basement side Plymouth are boosted by the return to fitness of striker Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Former Southampton forward Wright-Phillips made his long-awaited Argyle debut as a late substitute in Tuesday night's 1-0 home defeat by Watford, the Pilgrims' fifth consecutive Championship loss.
Wright-Phillips, who arrived at Home Park over the summer, missed the start of the season with a knee injury and his return to fitness provides a welcome lift to Argyle.
Manager Paul Sturrock can also call upon Australian defender Shane Lowry after the 20-year-old arrived on a three-month loan from Aston Villa.
Sturrock was able to recall right-back David McNamee against the Hornets, but was without Benin international central defender Reda Johnson (knee).
Johnson's place went to Hungarian international Krisztian Timar as Sturrock was again forced to make enforced changes to his back four.
