Eddie Howe will take charge of Newcastle United for the very first time tomorrow, as he looks to get his era off to a winning start.
Newcastle vs Brentford
Howe may be grateful to the fixture list, which has presented him with what looks like a solid opportunity to make a fast start against newly promoted Brentford.
Howe has made promises that he will look to set Newcastle up in an attacking shape, and there could be plenty of changes made to the team which Steve Bruce and Graeme Jones typically picked.
First of all, Howe may well fancy a change in goal.
Martin Dubravka has been overlooked for much of the season so far, but he is still arguably Newcastle’s best shot-stopper, and will surely come back into contention under the new boss.
Elsewhere, expect Javi Manquillo and Jamal Lewis to start in either side of defence.
But it could be that Howe makes major changes in the heart of the Magies’ backline.
We think there’s a chance that both Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar step into the defence.
Schar and Fernandez have often been overlooked this term, but Howe will want Newcastle to play possession based football, and their ball playing skills could come in handy.
That would mean Jamal Lascelles comes out of the team in what looks a big call.
Fraser returns
Ryan Fraser will surely play a key role under Newcastle’s new boss, having thrived under him at Bournemouth – so he should start down the right.
Joe Willock also looks likely to be recalled alongside Isaac Hayden in midfield.
The only other real slot up for debate is in attacking midfield, if Howe does set-up in a 4-2-3-1 system.
He could turn to Joelinton, but Miguel Almiron looks a more natural fit in the position and the Paraguayan may be the most likely candidate to feature.
Newcastle’s other two players seemingly pick themselves.
Allan Saint-Maximin is the star turn in the team and his starting spot is assured, as is Callum Wilson’s.
Newcastle predicted XI: Dubravka; Manquillo, Fernandez, Schar, Lewis; Hayden, Willock; Fraser, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson.
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