Newcastle United supporters have given their verdict on the final pre-season starting eleven as Eddie Howe rotated as expected for the visit of Athletic Bilbao. The Magpies edged a narrow home victory over Serie A outfit Atalanta on Friday night, and are back in action less than 24 hours later at the same venue.
Martin Dubravka has been named in goal, with captain Jamaal Lascelles and long-serving academy graduate Paul Dummett restored to a back four. The pair join summer signing Sven Botman and Emil Krafth in defence, while Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Joe Willock make up the midfield trio.
Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson will also start, and are joined in attack by Matt Ritchie. Changes were considered inevitable given the Atalanta clash, but is it the inclusion of Lascelles and Ritchie in a seemingly advanced role which has been questioned by some supporters on social media.
READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Athletic Bilbao LIVE: Team news and updates as Magpies take on La Liga side
The likes of Nick Pope, Matt Targett, and Kieran Trippier will not feature at all, with Matty Longstaff the most experienced outfield option on the bench for the friendly. Here is how United fans reacted to the team news announcement on social media.
'Hey ho'
'Keeping everyone guessing'
'Lack of pace'
'Magic hat'
'Meltdown over a friendly team selection'
'Still no Lewis'
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