The strongest 18-man squad currently available to Steve Bruce at Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)The strongest 18-man squad currently available to Steve Bruce at Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The strongest 18-man squad currently available to Steve Bruce at Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The strongest 18-man squad currently available to Steve Bruce at Newcastle United

With the start of the Premier League season less than a fortnight away, Steve Bruce’s focus and attention is slowly turning towards the opener with West Ham United.

The Magpies welcome David Moyes’ Hammers to St James’s Park on Sunday, August 15 - but it hasn’t exactly been ideal preparation for Bruce and co.

No new signings have arrived as the club awaits a final decision on number one transfer target Joe Willock’s future at Arsenal.

There have also been injuries to deal with too - with suggestions that Paul Dummett and Jonjo Shelvey could join Martin Dubravka as those to miss the first game.

Bearing all the uncertainty in mind, our writer Jordan Cronin picks out Bruce’s current strongest starting XI and subs ahead of facing West Ham.

Do you agree? Let us know by tweeting us @MouthOfTynePod.