Newcastle United supporters are surprised to see big-money signing Sven Botman handed his full Premier League debut. Last week saw the Dutchman create the pre-match headlines for the opposite reason as Eddie Howe named him on the bench for the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
The 22-year-old did feature in the closing stages but, given the nature of the win, fans expected Botman to miss out again. Howe previously eased Bruno Guimaraes into the fold following his January arrival due to the form of those in the team.
However, the manager has been forced to U-turn his approach to include the £32million man in the line-up for the first away game of the season. This is because Matt Targett - Newcastle's stalwart at left-back - is ruled out with a late injury.
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Fans are excited to see Botman in action for the first time in a professional capacity. A long-winded transfer saga came to a close when Toon chiefs finally landed their man in June. Concerns over Burn's credentials at left-back were also raised on social media.
This is how supporters reacted on Twitter once the line-up was announced.
@nufc_sanjay: No change in system - just an injury to Targett. Understandably Howe prefers Burn at LB over Dummett, meaning Sven Botman gets his first start. Intrigued to see how he does.
@Ellie_Cowzer: We. Are. Winning! #NUFC
@GingerPirlo_: Burn is left back. Obviously Targett has a late knock. Says a lot that Eddie would start Burn ahead of Dummett and Manquillo.
@AdamNUFC_: Matty Targett not even in the squad?
@nufcrichys: that’s not gonna end well
@ShaneS1988: Surely means Burn at LB and Botman alongside Schar. Really intrigued.
@Subtohhjjgaming: Look at that bench it is shocking and everyone happy we are not signing players. It’s shocking, we get a few injures who is there to change a game for us.
@S_Davison: Burn at LB means we're gonna be massacred. Surely it'd been worth starting Ritchie instead if Targett is out?
@Gwenis69: Interesting to see how BDB does at left back, no sure he's quick enough to be up and down the wing!! We'll find out, good luck lads, 3 points come on HWTL!! Oh and NICK POPE
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