For a bit of fun, we fired up the latest version of Football Manager, and simulated a huge summer takeover of Newcastle United. Take a look at how the game predicts the Magpies' starting XI, substitutes, and manager will look on the first day of the 2020/21 campaign.
9. CM: Eberechi Eze
Oh yes, now you're talking. The Magpies beat a host of fellow top tier clubs to the promising, versatile midfielder, and he's fired straight into the starting XI to face City. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) Photo: Octavio Passos
10. AMR: Ryan Kent
Rangers cashed in on the former Liverpool prospect after just one season, netting a rather tasty £8m profit. His combination of lethal pace and technical skills will be invaluable to the side. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) Photo: Octavio Passos
11. AML: Allan Saint-Maximin
The dynamic dribbler, quite rightfully, keeps his starting spot. Newcastle had a few offers for him over the summer, but the club spurned them, keen to keep the fans' favourite at St James'. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) Photo: Jordan Mansfield
12. ST: Patson Daka
A big money striker with no Premier League experience...what could possibly go wrong? To be fair to Daka, he'd be banging in the goals for RB Salzburg, and has some very eye-catching stats. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos