Who should be in United's starting XI for home opener?
| Published date | 15 August 2021 |
| Publication title | Sunday Sun |
United head coach Steve Bruce has some selection dilemmas for this weekend's game, with new arrival Joe Willock unavailable, while Magpies playmaker Jonjo Shelvey is potentially low on match fitness.
He has already confirmed Freddie Woodman will make his Premier
League debut in goal, with Martin Dubravka ruled out and Karl Darlow still returning to fitness, but Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are fit and raring to go.
Bruce must decide who will operate in the midfield engine room, while Ryan Fraser and Miguel Almiron could fight it out for a starting spot.
Here, our writers pick their starting XI for the West Ham game.
LEE RYDER FREDDIE WOODMAN Would be harsh if he didn't start the season after steady form and bouncing back from despair of loan move to Bournemouth. Darlow must surely be doubtful and Dubravka is missing - Woodman is more than capable. JACOB MURPHY Easily Newcastle's main star of preseason, offers so much going forward on the break, a goal threat and starting to show results in his defensive education after work with coaches.
JAMAAL LASCELLES Into his fifth year as captain. Will feel he can improve after pre-season but very much the dressing room lynchpin.
FABIAN SCHAR Brings defensive solidity to the table plus so much more. Has shrugged of f Euro 2020 heartache and is looking for big season after agreeing to stay.
FEDERICO FERNANDEZ The experienced talker is like having an extra captain on the field. Still has plenty to offer at 32. A defensive rock and threat from set-plays.
MATT RITCHIE Survived much-publicised spat with Bruce to be a mainstay in preseason, with Paul Dummett injured he may just get nod over Jamal Lewis. SEAN LONGSTAFF Has done enough in pre-season in my book to start. Has clearly brushed up on aspects of his game and has looked more of a goal threat.
ISAAC HAYDEN Has been Mr Reliable in the last few seasons. When Hayden plays well, Newcastle generally do too. Will hope his injury worries are behind him. MIGUEL ALMIRON Hasn't played much football but Newcastle have had him at a boot camp in order for him to play catchup. Might just scrape into the team fitness wise and offer attacking impetus. ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN Another who has been out in preseason, in his case with illness. But if he is 75% fit he probably has to start to have...
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