MICHAEL Owen is back in Newcastle's starting line-up for this evening's crucial Tyne-Tees relegation battle with Middlesbrough.

The Magpies skipper, who was dropped for last weekend's defeat at Liverpool, will partner Mark Viduka. Obafemi Martins is absent because of a groin injury.

With Joey Barton suspended following his dismissal at Anfield, Danny Guthrie will partner Nicky Butt at the heart of midfield, with Kevin Nolan expected to line up on the left.

Steven Taylor returns to the heart of Newcastle's back four in place of Fabricio Coloccini, and will partner Sebastien Bassong as Newcastle look to secure the victory that will take them out of the bottom three.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate has sprung a major surprise for his club's biggest game of the season, with Emnes making his first start of the campaign in attack.

The Dutchman, whose only previous Boro start came at Wolves in the FA Cup, is expected to partner Afonso Alves in attack with Jeremie Aliadiere dropping to the bench.

Stewart Downing is expected to line up on the right of midfield, with Tuncay Sanli starting on the opposite flank.

With David Wheater nursing a groin injury, Matthew Bates slots back into the back four to play alongside Robert Huth.

NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper, Beye, S Taylor, Bassong, Duff, Gutierrez, Butt, Guthrie, Nolan, Owen, Viduka.

Subs: Krul, Coloccini, Martins, R Taylor, Lovenkrands, Lua Lua, Carroll.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Jones, Hoyte, Huth, Bates, A Taylor, Downing, O'Neil, Shawky, Tuncay, Emnes, Alves.

Subs: Turnbull, Aliadiere, King, Arca, A Johnson, McMahon, Grounds.

** READ A FULL REPORT AND ANALYSIS OF TONIGHT'S GAME IN TOMORROW'S NORTHERN ECHO **