Newcastle United supporters have expressed their delight after Eddie Howe named a 'strong team' to face Rayo Vallecano. The Magpies host the La Liga side on Saturday afternoon in their final friendly before a return to competitive action.
Newcastle lifted the Diriyah Season Cup with a comprehensive five-goal thrashing of Al Hilal in their last outing. Howe was without five key players due to their involvement at the World Cup, and the head coach handed late cameos to several academy prospects.
Kieran Trippier is the surprise name on the teamsheet at St James' Park for the latest friendly, with the England international only just returning from Qatar having started twice for the Three Lions. Nick Pope also reclaimed his starting spot, with Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson not included in the matchday squad.
READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Rayo Vallecano LIVE
Miguel Almiron, Elliot Anderson, Dan Burn, Loris Karius, and Joelinton have also missed out, with Howe filling the bench with rising stars from the academy. Here is how Newcastle fans reacted to the team news ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
@Freddie48677797: Solid team.
@BellsyNUFC: That's quite strong you know, bench full of youth, upa mags.
@Ellie_Cowzer: Damn pretty strong team.
@LRFNUFC: Ooh la la what a great team.
@sickkgirl_: Tripps always ready to goooooo.
@paul1892murray: Oh how I’ve missed this!!!
Newcastle return to competitive action with a Carabao Cup fourth-round home tie against Bournemouth on Tuesday. Howe's side then resume their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day with an away clash at Leicester City.
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