Newcastle United will begin their 2021-22 Premier League campaign at home on Sunday against West Ham United.
The Magpies finished 12th in the league last season, but could possibly slip down the table considering the lack of investment in their squad.
Newcastle United will need to kick off the season with a good start and a win at home against the Hammers. Steve Bruce’s side got the better of the London club on both occasions last time around, and haven’t lost to West Ham in their last four meetings.
Team News
Bruce will not have his first-choice keeper, Martin Dubravka, as well as Dubravka’s deputy Karl Darlow due to injury and COVID-19, respectively.
New signing Joe Willock will not be available for the Magpies manager, and defender Paul Dummett is also not expected to feature come Sunday.
Let’s take a look at the possible Newcastle United lineup for the game against West Ham.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup vs West Ham United
Goalkeeper
Steve Bruce has confirmed that Newcastle United academy graduate Freddie Woodman will make his Premier League debut on Sunday in the absence of Dubravka and Darlow.
The 24-year-old has played four times for Newcastle but all those appearances have come in cup competitions.
Defence
Bruce should stick to his five-man defence for the game on Sunday. Captain Jamaal Lascelles should start at the heart of the defence, with Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez playing alongside him.
Jacob Murphy, who had a good season last time around, should start as the right wing-back. Matt Ritchie should likely play on the opposite side as left-wing-back, while Jamal Lewis is an option for Bruce. Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo could also be in contention for the right wing-back slot.
Midfield
Bruce will not be able to call upon Willock to the Newcastle United lineup as he wasn’t registered in time for the opening game.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs West Ham United
Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff will compete for the two midfield slots. Hayden and Shelvey could get the nod ahead of Longstaff. Jeff Hendrick and Matty Longstaff are other options for Bruce.
Miguel Almiron should start as the furthest midfielder in the Newcastle United lineup. Ryan Fraser could also play that role, but will likely be used off the bench if Newcastle shift to a four-man defence and play natural wingers.
Attack
Callum Wilson was Newcastle United’s top-scorer last season and he will be expected to deliver the goals once again. He should start up front, accompanied by lively attacker Allan Saint-Maximin.