Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira makes his first start for over a month as one of four changes for the trip to Exeter City.
Last featuring in a win over Charlton Athletic in August, the Portugal stopper twisted his ankle in training and missed the last six League One matches.
Returning at St James Park, the 28-year-old is behind an unchanged back four of Michael Craig, Tyler Bindon, Amadou Mbengue and Andre Garcia.
Boss Ruben Selles has made one tactical change in midfield, with Ben Elliott dropping to the bench and Harvey Knibbs moving centrally alongside Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing.
The entire front three has changed from Saturday's 4-1 win over Crawley Town, with Chem Campbell and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan flanking young Jayden Wareham, who makes his first league start of the season.
Among the substitutes include Sam Smith, Adrian Akande and Mamadi Camara, who is returning from a spell on the injury table.
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