Eddie Howe embraces Seung-Soo Park after impressing for Newcastle in pre-season.
Eddie Howe embraces Seung-Soo Park after impressing for Newcastle in pre-season.
Newcastle United's summer transfer window has shown signs of life following the recent arrival of Malick Thiaw as Eddie Hearn's side add another new face to their ranks before the Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
The Toon have signed off on three new arrivals thus far, with Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale joining the German defender at St. James' Park for the upcoming campaign. Having missed out on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro, the Magpies are still on the hunt for a new striker having lost Callum Wilson in the off season.
The ongoing transfer saga with Alexander Isak will likely rule him out of the Premier League curtain raiser at Villa Park leaving Howe with a number of decisions to make. Of course, in an ideal world the Swedish striker would lead the line, but unless there's a drastic change in circumstance, he won't feature.
Chronicle Live has taken a look at the most realistic and strongest matchday squad Howe could name on Saturday for the 12.30pm kick-off.
Much has been made of Newcastle's goalkeeping situation and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Howe start new arrival Aaron Ramsdale having looked good in pre-season. Nick Pope had a bit of a horror show at Celtic Park and the decision to bring in a shot stopper who is more comfortable with his feet speaks volumes.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Content Image
Content Image
The loanee from Southampton could get the nod here, but with Pope getting the No 1 shirt and starting against Atletic last Saturday, Howe may stick to the more established man for now.
Things get a little trickier in defence. Lewis Hall is still getting up to speed after surgery at the end last season, meaning Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier should start on the flanks.
Livramento looked good out on the left and posed a real attacking threat last season, so it's a no brainer to start him out there. The centre half pairing of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn pick themselves given the lack of time Thiaw has had in settling in to his new surroundings and Sven Botman's summer injury issues.
Both Thiaw and Botman are likely to form a long-term partnership soon, but Villa could come too early.
The same can be said for the midfield trio. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will make up that engine room which was so formidable last season.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
Given Isak's absence, Howe will have to be creative in the final third given Will Osula hasn't quite taken his opportunity in pre-season. The decision to start Anthony Gordon up top against Athletico Madrid was a major hint from the Newcastle boss as to what he might do this weekend.
However, there was an injury scare as the England international hobbled off, before playing down those concerns after the game on social media. "Just twisted my ankle. No problems," Gordon said. "Glad to be back home. Business time next..."
Though the winger's best work has come off the left, he gets the nod from us to lead the line. Which leaves Harvey Barnes to operate off the left flank and new arrival Anthony Elanga should start on the right-hand side of the attack.
Interestingly, Newcastle have been linked with a surprise swoop for Aston Villa's attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey and the two clubs have reportedly agreed a deal. The player had not yet agreed terms with the Magpies at the time of the bid being accepted, but it could well be a transfer that goes through before the clash at Villa Park.
Time is ticking to get a deal done, but if it does go through, he'll be a welcome addition to the bench. The Toon have plenty of options at the back, with Ramsdale, Dan Burn, Thiaw and Lewis Hall available as substitutes.
Going forward, however, is a completely different story. Jacob Murphy can change things up on the right-hand side of the attack and Osula can add a physical dynamic from the bench. Aside from that, there aren't many options.
Lewis Miley looked bright in pre-season, as did youngster Seung-soo Park who has done enough to earn a surprise spot on the bench - very few would have said that come the start of pre-season. It's not exactly an ideal starting line-up given Isak's absence, but Howe will have to make do.
Newcastle United starting XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Gordon, Elanga.