Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey will miss the Boxing Day clash with Sheffield Wednesday (live on Sky Sports 1 HD) after deciding not to appeal against his five-game ban.

The England international was handed the suspension and a £100,000 after an independent regulatory commission found an FA misconduct charge - which he denied - proven.

But while he continues to protest his innocence, he has opted against challenging the decision in an effort to minimise the disruption to his club.

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Rafael Benitez otherwise has no fresh selection issues as the leaders attempt to extend their one-point advantage over Brighton with midfielder Jack Colback hopeful of returning from an eye problem which has sidelined him since last month.

However, the Spaniard now has Republic of Ireland keeper Rob Elliot fit after a long-term knee injury and he will be keen to challenge Karl Darlow and Matz Sels for a place in the team.

Sheffield Wednesday striker Fernando Forestieri will return to contention after serving his three-game ban for his straight red card in the recent home win against Preston.

Carlos Carvalhal must decide whether to recall Forestieri to his starting line-up or stick with Steven Fletcher and Lucas Joao up front.

 Almen Abdi (shoulder) is one of several players who will be monitored, but Barry Bannan (foot) and Kieran Lee are both expected to shake off injury.

Gary Hooper (hamstring) and Will Buckley (shoulder) will be assessed after missing out in recent weeks as the Owls bid for a fifth win in six league matches.

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Opta stats

Newcastle have scored in each of their last 12 league meetings with Owls, notching 24 goals in the process.

Sheffield Wednesday are winless in six league matches with the Magpies (D3 L3).

Newcastle have won just two of their last 14 matches played on Boxing Day (D3 L9) - 5-1 v Stoke in 2013 and 2-0 v Bolton in 2011.

The Owls have won three and drawn one in their last four Boxing Day matches, keeping four clean sheets.

Newcastle's Dwight Gayle is the top scorer in the Championship with 17 goals. He is also the only player in the league to have scored more than one hat-trick this season (2).

Prutton predicts

Shelvey is unavailable as he starts his five-match ban but Newcastle enter the game having won four of their last five and they've got the depth of squad to fill the gap.

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Gayle has absolutely been on fire while Mohamed Diame will no doubt want to leave his mark before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Having said that, I feel Wednesday have the resilience to go to St. James' Park and get something.

PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-2, Dwight Gayle first goalscorer (Sky Bet odds 50/1)