Newcastle United will begin their Premier League campaign against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Magpies lost their last two friendlies against Stoke City and Middlesbrough in the pre-season, but the games helped the players with their fitness, and they will look to start the campaign on a high.
West Ham had a few defensive issues against Bournemouth in their most recent pre-season friendly, where they lost 5-3. David Moyes will want his team to put in a better performance against a side that could have similar goals for the season.
The visitors have plenty of new and experienced faces in their ranks and could be a real test for West Ham in this game. Here is how Bruce might set up his side, to try and start the season with three points in the bag:
Newcastle United Team News
Martin Dubravka has a heel injury, and will be replaced by Karl Darlow in goal. Steve Bruce’s options for the two centre-back roles are limited. While Fabian Schar has a shoulder injury, Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark are not match-fit yet.
In the midfield, Matty Longstaff will miss out due to a thigh injury. Matt Richie will be assessed ahead of the game, and it’s unlikely he will be risked. Dwight Gayle has been ruled out for a considerable amount of time due to an unfortunate knee injury.
We could see some of the new signings make their debut later today.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Defence
The absence of Dubravka could see Karl Darlow take his place in the first team between the sticks. Mark Gillespie was decent in pre-season but Darlow’s top-flight experience will get him the nod in this game. Bruce stuck with a four-man backline in pre-season and is expected to do the same in this game as well.
Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles both looked in good form in the last couple of games and could keep their place at the heart of the defence. Javier Manquillo was a regular in the first team for Bruce last season at right-back and should retain his place in the side while new arrival Jamal Lewis could straight away make his debut at left-back in the Newcastle United lineup.
Emile Kraft is an option for Steve Bruce, and he could feature should the manager decide that Lewis isn’t ready.
Midfield
The signing of Jeff Hendrick will give Bruce more options in the midfield. Isaac Hayden played in most of the club friendlies, and is expected to start alongside Shelvey, who has been declared fit for the game.
Sean Longstaff too had a good pre-season run out, and should play as in a slightly more attacking role in Newcastle United lineup.
Attack
This is where the manager has loads of options for four attacking roles. Allan Saint-Maximin was unplayable at times in the pre-season, and will be the side’s go-to man to make things happen in the attacking third. He should start on the left flank while Miguel Almiron could feature as the other inverted winger on the right.
Ryan Fraser will push the first-team regulars when he is fit, and his arrival has added so much more quality and depth to the attack.
The lack of a genuine goal-scorer was a real issue for the Magpies last season. Andy Carroll got a fair few minutes under his belt in the pre-season but Callum Wilson is a more mobile presence in attack and could get the nod to make his debut for the club.
