Eddie Howe has chosen a strong side for Newcastle United’s friendly with Benfica this evening. The Magpies will face arguably their toughest test of pre-season yet as they face Benfica at the Estadio da Luz in the Eusebio Cup.
Howe has included all three of the club’s summer signings Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett in the XI. Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson are also set to start.
Talented youngster Elliot Anderson has been given the nod in midfield, with Jamaal Lascelles, Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy making up the remainder of the starting line-up. Here is how fans have reacted to the team selection.
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@JSpence24: “Good team that we are still desperate for another winger.”
@TheGingerPirlo: “Eddie really likes Anderson in midfield eh?
@DanielMein: “He’s definitely giving Anderson a chance to prove himself. Hope he shows enough to stay, he can definitely do a job for us.”
@TOONARMYTV: “Nice line-up, good to see Anderson get a run out.”
@Jimmywoods99: “Not firing from all cylinders, but still a pretty strong team.”
@AngelNUFC: “Dubravka didn’t play in the Burnley games and not on the bench, is he on his way? Really hope Anderson has a good game.”
@AaronBates91: “Nice line-up, exposes the lack of attacking quality though..”
@NUFC1892x: “Pretty much full strength side, minus Joelinton and Almiron. It’s obvious we need two more attacking signings, our bench isn’t exciting much but that will take a few years to improve.”
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