Newcastle entertain West Brom in a clash of promoted sides who have already ensured their survival.
Rival sides looking to win to earn top ten finish
Newcastle entertain West Brom on Sunday in a clash of promoted sides who have already ensured their Premier League survival.
It is a case of job done for both clubs, although the pair have shed the managers who took them up from the Championship last term - Chris Hughton and Roberto Di Matteo.
Their successors Alan Pardew and Roy Hodgson have steered the clubs over the survival line so it will be party-time - not tension - at St James' Park.
But the bosses of the 11th-placed Baggies and 12th-placed Magpies will be looking to end the season on a high and secure a win and a top ten finish.
Team news
Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez will not be fit to face the Baggies after picking up a minor knock in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
Northern Ireland's Shane Ferguson occupied Gutierrez's more accustomed berth wide on the left in that game and the youngster - who has shaken off an ankle injury - is likely to get another chance in the South American's absence.
Striker Leon Best has returned to training after recovering from an ankle problem, but midfielder Cheick Tiote will not be risked again and Kevin Nolan (ankle), Steve Harper (knee) Mike Williamson (broken arm), Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg fracture), Danny Guthrie (shin) and Dan Gosling (also knee) remain on the sidelines.
For West Brom, boss Hodgson may be tempted to keep the same starting line-up which beat Everton 1-0 last time out.
Skipper Chris Brunt returned to the side for that victory after missing the last two games with a hamstring problem, while defender Steven Reid was also out for those matches, but recovered from his calf injury to start against the Toffees.
Austrian midfielder Paul Scharner also returned in the game after being suspended for the loss at Wolves for his sending off against Aston Villa.
There could also be a rare taste of first-team action for teenagers James Hurst and George Thorne.
Full-back Hurst made his Premier League debut against Fulham in January, one of three first-team appearances this season, while midfield playmaker Thorne will be hoping for a top-flight debut with the Baggies comfortably clear of the enthralling relegation battle.
Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans remains on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, but is hoping to return to light training with the squad ahead of the summer break.
Possible starting XIs
Newcastle: Krul, Enrique, S Taylor, Coloccini, Simpson, Ferguson, Barton, Smith, R Taylor, Lovenkrands, Ameobi.
West Brom: Carson, Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Shorey, Brunt, Mulumbu, Scharner, Thomas, Cox, Odemwingie.
