Newcastle United have made a less than impressive start to their pre-season in Asia. They lost 4-0 to Wolves in the Premier League Asia trophy earlier this week, and will next face West Ham United in the play-off for the third place in the competition.
The Magpies fielded a strong side against Wolves, but struggled to even test the opposition team’s defence.
The Hammers, on the other hand, lost to Manchester City but will believe that they can get their pre-season back on track against a struggling Newcastle side.
Youngsters Nathan Harker, Kelland Watts, Owen Bailey, Matty Longstaff, Tom Allan and Elias Sorensen are all a part of the squad for this tour and might get a chance to impress in this game.
The side will still be without Christian Atsu and Miguel Almiron, both of who are yet to return from international duty. Rob Elliot, DeAndre Yedlin and Florian Lejeune are all ruled out for this game through injury.
Defence
Martin Dubravka was not used in the game against Wolves but deserves a chance under the bar. He could replace Karl Darlow against the Hammers.
Jamaal Lascelles will continue to lead the backline for Newcastle and could be partnered with Fabian Schar, who was also unused in that 4-0 loss in the previous game.
Achraf Lazaar did enough in that game to get another chance at left-back while young Jamie Sterry might be replaced with Javier Manquillo, who only came on as a sub in the previous outing.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden played the full 90 minutes against Wolves, but could be rested this weekend. Jonjo Shelvey could take up his role as the deepest of the midfielders in this tie.
Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie will continue to play as the wide men in the midfield, adding some width and creativity to the Newcastle side.
Sean Longstaff was an unused substitute against Wolves but should start this game in the midfield. He will play in a slightly advanced role with Jack Colback adding some mettle and balance to the Magpies midfield.
Attack
Dwight Gayle is back from his loan spell at West Brom, but the manager might be tempted to stick with Yoshinori Moto for another game.
Here is how they might lineup:
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