Howard makes seven positional changes to the backline, with Seru Rabeni the only player to retain his place in the starting XV following last weekend's memorable victory at Munster. The Fijian moves from wing to outside centre, with Leon Lloyd stepping up from the replacements bench to take Rabeni's No.14 shirt.
Johne Murphy and Tom Varndell complete the back three, with Sam Vesty, who was a late replacement at Thomond Park, named at inside centre.
Paul Burke finally makes his return from injury for his first start since the trip to Saracens on November 12. The former Harlequins No.10 is joined at half-back by fellow Irishman Frank Murphy.
Shane Jennings is again selected in the back row, with Jordan Crane starting at No.8 and Brett Deacon at blindside flanker.
Captain Ben Kay partners James Hamilton in an all-international second row, with Marcos Ayerza and Michael Holford named as props and James Buckland given the nod at hooker.
A strong-looking bench features five internationals in George Chuter, Martin Castrogiovanni, Martin Corry, Harry Ellis and Alesana Tuilagi.
Tigers vs Newcastle
15. Johne Murphy
14. Leon Lloyd
13. Seru Rabeni
12. Sam Vesty
11. Tom Varndell
10. Paul Burke
9. Frank Murphy
1. Marcos Ayerza
2. James Buckland
3. Michael Holford
4. Ben Kay
5. James Hamilton
6. Brett Deacon
7. Shane Jennings
8. Jordan Crane
Replacements
16. George Chuter
17. Martin Castrogiovanni
18. Tom Croft
19. Martin Corry
20. Harry Ellis
21. Ian Humphreys
22. Alesana Tuilagi
