Ashton returns for Hammers

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley made one change from the side which beat Derby 2-1 at Upton Park last week, as striker Dean Ashton’s recovery from injury allowed him to start at the expense of youngster Freddie Sears, who did not make the bench this time.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, who had brought a six-game unbeaten run to the capital, also made one change following last week’s 2-0 home win over Sunderland, David Edgar replacing Abdoulaye Faye at the back for the Magpies.