Newcastle United are back in Premier League action as they welcome newly-promoted Nottingham Forest to St. James' Park for the campaign opener. Eddie Howe has two new recruits and a returning star to his ranks this summer despite struggling to add attacking outlets to his squad in recent weeks.
Social media has been ablaze with discussion as to who the Magpies boss should start on Saturday, with Sven Botman potentially in line for his debut. In attack, Miguel Almiron and Ryan Fraser will battle it out on the right wing as Howe debates which three midfielders to go with.
Chronicle Live's team of Newcastle United writers are on hand to offer their ideal starting XI's ahead of the Premier League curtain raiser.
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Aaron Stokes
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Willock, Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Almiron.
I think Nick Pope gets the nod over Martin Dubravka despite the Slovakian enjoying a fine game against Athletic Bilbao. I'd love to see Sven Botman start but can also see Eddie Howe opting for the reliable partnership of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the heart of the defence.
Joe Willock just pips Sean Longstaff to the final midfield spot and it would be a foolish decision not to start Miguel Almiron after pre-season form.
Lee Ryder
Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett, Bruno, Joelinton, Anderson, Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Fraser.
I think Dubravka remains a safe pair of hands and has done nothing to deserve being axed. Schar is probably the best man to partner Botman on the back of pre-season while Elliot Anderson deserves to start the season.
Saint-Maximin, Wilson and Fraser should get a crack as the front three with Almiron narrowly missing out.
Ciaran Kelly
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett, Bruno, Longstaff, Joelinton, Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
In contrast to the opening day a year ago, this was not an easy team to pick because of the options Newcastle United now have - no more so than in goal. There is little to separate Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka, but I'd give Newcastle's summer signing the nod - just - because of his sweeping ability which has helped the Magpies play a higher line.
At centre-back, Fabian Schar provides some balance at right-sided centre-back and although Sven Botman will need time to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League, the Dutchman already looks ready - even if it's a harsh call on Dan Burn.
The final big selection dilemma, with Jonjo Shelvey, is who plays in the middle of the park and Sean Longstaff edges it for me over Joe Willock after building on a strong end to the previous campaign in pre-season.
Sean McCormick
Pope; Trippier, Botman, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Willock, Joelinton; Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson
The toughest decision is likely to come in goal. Martin Dubravka has rarely let Newcastle down but the decision to sanction a summer move for England international Nick Pope suggests Howe wants a bit more in the goalkeeping department.
Sven Botman proved in pre-season he is adept as a right-sided centre-half, despite being left footed, so I would start him alongside fellow left-footer Dan Burn. Joe Willock gets the nod above Sean Longstaff in midfield, but it would be great to see young star Elliot Anderson from the bench in the coming weeks.
Miguel Almiron also gets the nod above Ryan Fraser in the front three after a pre-season that is impossible to ignore.
Matthew Ketchell
Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett, Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Fraser, Saint-Maximin, Wilson
Key calls are in goal, and in the back-line. I'd reward Dubravka for a marginally better pre-season than Pope, this could be his final season at the club and he deserves to start as No.1 in my eyes.
Schar and Botman are the best two-centre backs at the club, blending them at the starting two could be key to Newcastle's success this season.
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