ROLANDO AARONS makes a surprise return to Newcastle United's starting line-up this afternoon as Steve McClaren's side look to haul themselves out of the relegation zone with a win at Watford.

Aarons will make his first Premier League start of the season as he replaces Ayoze Perez at Vicarage Road.

The winger has suffered from a succession of injury problems this season, but will line up on the left-hand side as Newcastle look to avenge September's home defeat to Watford.

Ironically, that game, which resulted in a 2-1 win for the Hornets, was Aarons' last appearance this term.

McClaren has made three changes in total, with the other two alterations enforced.

Jamaal Lascelles comes into the back four, with Chancel Mbemba expected to move across to replace the injured Paul Dummett at left-back.

Having impressed off the substitutes' bench last weekend, January signing Henri Saivet will make his first Newcastle start as he comes in for the injured Jack Colback at the heart of midfield.

Watford (4-2-3-1): Gomes; Paredes, Britos, Cathcart, Ake; Capoue, Watson; Behrami, Deeney, Jurado; Ighalo.

Subs: Pantilimon (gk), Nyom, Prodl, Anya, Guedioura, Abdi, Amrabat.

Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Elliot; Janmaat, Lascelles, Coloccini, Mbemba; Saivet, Shelvey; Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Aarons; Mitrovic.

Subs: Darlow (gk), Taylor, Gouffran, Marveaux, Thauvin, Perez, Riviere.