ALAN PARDEW has made a host of changes as Newcastle United attempt to arrest a dreadful run of home defeats when they entertain Aston Villa this afternoon.

Davide Santon, Hatem Ben Arfa, Sammy Ameobi and Sylvain Marveaux have all been axed from the squad entirely in the wake of the recent 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

There are four changes to the starting line-up, with skipper Fabricio Coloccini returning from injury to take up a place at the heart of the back four.

Coloccini replaces Steven Taylor, who drops down to the bench, while Paul Dummett comes in for Santon at left-back.

Cheik Tiote is also available again after injury - the Ivorian replaces Sammy Ameobi in midfield - with Loic Remy returning from suspension to take over from Luuk de Jong in attack.

With Papiss Cisse also in the starting line-up, Newcastle are expected to adopt a 4-4-2 formation as they look to record a first home win since Boxing Day.

Newcastle (4-4-2): Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Coloccini, Dummett; Sissoko, Tiote, Anita, Gouffran; Cisse, Remy.

Subs: Elliott (gk), Haidara, Yanga-Mbiwa, S.Taylor, Gosling, Shola Ameobi, de Jong.

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan; Bacuna, Vlaar, Baker, Bertrand; Westwood, Delph, El Ahmadi; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Steer (gk), Sylla, Holt, Clark, Albrighton, Tonev, Bennett.