25 year-old Powell has missed the last couple of months with an ankle ligament injury, and has been targeting the Falcons clash for a return over the last few weeks.
Commenting on www.gloucesterrugbyclub.com Powell said: "I'm over the moon to be back. It's been a frustrating couple of months, especially as I injured my ankle in training.
"Newcastle were on the wrong end of a thrashing last weekend and it could go one of two ways for them. It is a guarantee that they'll be like wounded animals and want to make it up to their supporters up at Kingston Park.
"It's always a tough game up at Newcastle, and we need to be mentally right for the game, but we've worked hard this week and we'll be ready for it.
"It was a good hard game against Bath and the team got right back in to it, and it was nice to be on the right side of such a tight game."
Powell's return to the first team comes after Phil Vickery broke his arm last weekend, and the Welsh front row man has said how bad he feels for the England tight-head.
"I'm gutted for Vicks. He was getting back to the level that everyone knows he can, and you have to be playing 80 minute games of rugby to get back to your best.
"From a personal point of view it gives me the chance to go straight back into the side, and it's now down to me to make sure I impress.
French 'A' international hooker Noel Curnier makes his first start for the club, with Rob Elloway on the bench. James Parkes misses out with a wrist injury.
Adam Eustace and Alex Brown continue their second row partnership, and Peter Buxton comes into the back-row in place of Andy Hazell.
Adam Balding takes over the captain's duties with Phil Vickery injured and Jake Boer not available. The South African back-row man was set to be available for the game, but is in South Africa due to family circumstances.
Director of rugby Nigel Melville and coach Dean Ryan continue with the same back line with Jon Goodridge, Marcel Garvey and Seti Kiole in the back three, James Simpson-Daniel and Terry Fanolua in midfield, and Henry Paul and Andy Gomarsall at half-back.
On the bench Rob Elloway is joined by Terry Sigley, Mark Cornwell and Luke Narraway in the forwards. Alex Page, Nathan Mauger and last week's drop goal match winner Brad Davies complete the replacements.
Gloucester:
15. Jon Goodridge
14. Marcel Garvey
13. James Simpson-Daniel
12. Terry Fanolua
11. Seti Kiole
10. Henry Paul
9. Andy Gomarsall
1. Nick Wood
2. Noel Curnier
3. Gary Powell
4. Adam Eustace
5. Alex Brown
6. James Forrester
7. Peter Buxton
8. Adam Balding (c)
Replacements:
16. Rob Elloway
17. Terry Sigley
18. Mark Cornwell
19. Luke Narraway
20. Alex Page
21. Brad Davies
22. Nathan Mauger
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