Exciting 4-2-3-1: Could £4.5m signing come into Newcastle’s XI for Huddersfield test?

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Newcastle United look to kick off their season by beating Huddersfield Town at St James’ Park on Saturday.

To be played on Saturday 13th August 2016 at 15:00. Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle

Odds: Newcastle 8/13, Draw 13/5, Huddersfield 9/2

Newcastle United host Huddersfield Town at St James’ Park on Saturday as the Magpies look to begin their journey back to the Premier League.

Rafael Benitez’s men were given a dose of reality on Friday when the pre-season favourites for promotion went down 1-0 at Fulham in a result which reminded those on Tyneside that returning to the top flight will be anything but a walk in the park.

Perhaps that proverbial kick up the backside is precisely what Benitez needs from his side as they welcome Huddersfield knowing that a victory would most probably settle the early-season jitters and set them on their way.

Newcastle might have a slight advantage in that they did not have a midweek League Cup game to contest, giving them eight days to physically and mentally recover from their setback in West London, while Huddersfield lost 2-1 at Shrewsbury on Tuesday.

In early team news, Mo Diame might come in for his Newcastle debut after a summer switch from Hull City, while Dwight Gayle, a £10 million signing from Crystal Palace, is expected to spearhead the attack again.

Adam Armstrong might push him close or start alongside him, however. The 20-year-old striker has a couple of weeks to prove his worth to Benitez and a good showing on Saturday – be it from the bench or from the start – would certainly give the Spaniard food for thought.