AYOZE PEREZ returns to Newcastle United's starting line-up this evening as the Magpies look to get their promotion push back on track against Nottingham Forest.

With Brighton's game against Cardiff City having been postponed because of fog, Newcastle will finish 2016 on top of the Championship table if they win at St James' Park.

Perez returns to the side for the first time since Newcastle lost at Nottingham Forest at the start of the month, and replaces Mo Diame in the central role behind lone striker Dwight Gayle.

DeAndre Yedlin comes in for Vurnon Anita at right-back, with Christian Atsu replacing Yoan Gouffran on the right-hand side.

Forest are without a number of first-team players, with former Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner, who scored his side's opening goal in their 2-1 win at the City Ground, leading the line.

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Colback, Hayden; Ritchie, Perez, Atsu; Gayle.

Subs: Sels (gk)), Anita, Lazaar, Mbemba, Diame, Gouffran, Mitrovic.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-4-1-1): Stojkovic; Cash, Mills, Hobbs, Lichaj; Lam, Pereira, Osborn, Kasami; Dumitru-Cardosa; Bendtner.

Subs: Henderson (gk), Grant, Ahmedhodzic, Carayol, Vaughan, Vellios, Assombalonga.