Owen lines out despite groin problem

Michael Owen retains his place in the Newcastle starting line-up after a week of speculation regarding his groin problem.

The 27-year-old is joined in attack by summer signing Mark Viduka, who missed the 1-0 defeat at Derby on Monday evening with a hamstring strain, while Habib Beye is handed a first start.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley make two changes to the side which beat Middlesbrough 3-0 last time out as Anton Ferdinand replaces James Collins and Carlton Cole comes in for injured former Magpie Craig Bellamy.

Lee Bowyer is the only one of five Newcastle old boys to be included in the 16 as Bellamy, Scott Parker, Nolberto Solano and Kieron Dyer all miss out.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Cacapa, Rozehnal, N’Zogbia, Smith, Geremi, Butt, Milner, Owen, Viduka.

Subs: Given, Jose Enrique, Martins, Faye, Taylor.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, McCartney, Bowyer, Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Cole, Ashton.

Subs: Wright, Ljungberg, Spector, Collins, Camara.

Referee: Mike Riley.