Newcastle United kick off their new Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Sunday, with plenty of intrigue surrounding Matthias Jaissle's team selection.
The 38-year-old has only been in the hot seat for a matter of weeks after succeeding Eddie Howe earlier this month. With limited training time and only a handful of friendlies to assess his squad, Jaissle now has the difficult task of selecting a side he believes can get a result against the Reds.
Putting ourselves in Jaissle's shoes, here is the XI we believe is best to start against Andoni Iraola's side:
The Czech was signed as the new No.1, and that’s how he should start the season. That said, his pre-season performances suggest there is plenty room for improvement.
The Czech was signed as the new No.1, and that’s how he should start the season. That said, his pre-season performances suggest there is plenty room for improvement.
2. GK: Lukas Hornicek
The Czech was signed as the new No.1, and that’s how he should start the season. That said, his pre-season performances suggest there is plenty room for improvement. | Getty Images
The 24-year-old Bosnian has only been through the St James’ Park door less than a day but already has the full trust of Matthias Jaissle having previously worked under the German at Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering.
The 24-year-old Bosnian has only been through the St James’ Park door less than a day but already has the full trust of Matthias Jaissle having previously worked under the German at Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering.
3. RB: Amar Dedic
The 24-year-old Bosnian has only been through the St James’ Park door less than a day but already has the full trust of Matthias Jaissle having previously worked under the German at Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering. | Getty Images
More than showed his worth last season, minus a few individual errors. Has worn the captain’s armband in pre-season, a sign that he is set for a greater responsibility both on - and off the pitch.
More than showed his worth last season, minus a few individual errors. Has worn the captain’s armband in pre-season, a sign that he is set for a greater responsibility both on - and off the pitch.