'The GOAT is back!': Newcastle United fans rejoice as Steve Bruce handed significant fitness boost for Watford clash

Steve Bruce has named his Newcastle United side to face Watford

The Magpies have been handed a significant boost with the return of Allan Saint-Maximin, who missed the midweek defeat to Manchester City with a niggle.

Miguel Almiron returns to the side, while Joelinton drops to the bench – with his place up front taken by Dwight Gayle. Fabian Schar continues in his midfield role – a decision which had plenty of fans talking ahead of the game.

Here’s what supporters were saying on social media:

@BeautifulMess99 said: “I’m happy with Schar partnering Shelvey. I reckon we’ll see a brilliant performance from him today.”

But @abgnufc argued: “I dunno how Schar makes the team after 2 awful, pedestrian performances vs City”

@_Hazza09 tweeted: “Better than last game”

@whitfieldjack19 posted: “Honestly don’t know what Matty Longstaff has done, why are we playing a CB in midfield when we have a natural midfielder on the bench that has been class this season.”

@ben98whiteley commented: “Nice to see joelinton finally dropped. Hopefully Muto can get a run out later on and see if he’s got anything to offer.”

@Craigster_90 said: “Get in Saint Maximin is back!”

@vperxzy added on Saint-Maximin: “main man back”

@melmarsh97 commented: “The goat is back”

@Shafka_Gunner posted: “Allan Saint Maximin Hatty incoming.”

@nufcsanjay added: “Pretty happy with that lineup, good to have Almiron, Lascelles and ASM back. Schar in midfield has potential to work, as long as he doesn't saunter around putting in zero effort. Need a performance from him.”

@outofhand32 tweeted: “Can't believe he's started Schar again in centre mid ahead of Longstaff. Annoying that Lazaro doesn't get a start again in a decent fixture. Can't argue with the rest of it”

And here’s the full team news from Vicarage Road as Newcastle seek three points:

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Manquillo, Lascelles, Fernandez, Rose, Schar, Shelvey, Saint-Maximin, Almiron, Ritchie, Gayle

Newcastle United subs: Darlow, Joelinton, Muto, Krafth, Yedlin, Lazaro, Atsu, Bentaleb, M Longstaff