Steve Bruce has suggested he will make a raft of changes for the League Cup second round clash with Blackburn Rovers at St James’s Park with the likes of Ciaran Clark, Ryan Fraser and Mark Gillespie all getting a chance to shine.
But who else should Bruce select against Rovers? Here our writer Liam Kennedy selects his starting XI for this evening...
5. Left-back: Javier Manquillo
A little continuity in terms of personnel but I'd switch Manquillo flanks to cover for our only proper, fit left-back Jamal Lewis. Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Right-wing: Ryan Fraser
Minutes under the belt is exactly what the Scotland international needs after missing so much training this summer. Photo: Richard Heathcote
7. Central midfield: Sean Longstaff
A cameo off the bench at the weekend, he's in from the off this time around. Better in a more advanced role but probably ask him to operate deeper. Photo: JAN KRUGER
8. Central midfield: Jonjo Shelvey
He'd get the armband for me on the night and gets selected ahead of Isaac Hayden due to injury. Photo: CATHERINE IVILL