'WHAT A LINE-UP!': Newcastle United fans rejoice as Steve Bruce handed last minute injury boost ahead of Sheffield United clash
Steve Bruce has named his side to face Sheffield United – and Newcastle United fans have been quick to react.
After three months without competitive action, the Magpies return to action this afternoon (2pm kick-off) as they welcome the Blades to St James’s Park.
And Bruce has named an unsurprising starting line-up given the club’s injury woes – which see both Longstaff brothers and Florian Lejeune ruled-out.
There is a boost for Newcastle, though, as Matt Ritchie returns from injury having been rated as a doubt in midweek. His last-minute returns is a timely boost, and was a big talking point for fans on social media.
But what did fans make of the team selection as a whole?
Here’s what supporters have been saying on social media:
@slimshadyAFK joked: “Can't wait to hear matt Richie scream at players in a empty stadium gonna be amazing”
@ConkerNUFC said: “WHAT A LINEUP! SAINT MAXIMIN ON THE WING...”
@K_Wennington argued: “I would of preferred Lazaro to start for Ritchie but apart from that, strong line-up.”
@agbnufc posted: “Really hope Joelinton gets a reboot from this break.”
@LockdownHater58 tweeted: ”Brucey giving us the good good, hope to see lazaro in the second half”
How can I watch Newcastle United v Sheffield United? What channel number is Sky PICK? Where can I find a live stream?
@VFLMelvini said: “Watch for Lazaro & Muto today off the bench. With lack of fitness, speed will be key the last 25 minutes”
@thomas_millman added: “Same story as normal will be giving Joelinton the support he needs. Happy to see Ritchie playing - not entirely sold on Rose yet though. Looks like a solid lineup overall! Howay the Lads”
@Laurence_1999 commented: “Didn't think Ritchie would make the XI or that Gayle would make the bench but pretty happy with our team”
@J4ke04 posted: “3 strikers on the bench? At least we have options. HTW”
Here’s the team news in full:
Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Manquillo, Fernandez, Lascelles, Rose, Hayden, Shelvey, Ritchie, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton
Newcastle United subs: Darlow, Schar, Carroll, Gayle, Muto, Krafth, Yedlin, Lazaro, Bentaleb
Sheffield United XI: Henderson, Basham, Egan, Robinson, Baldock, Stevens, Norwood, Fleck, Burge, Sharp, McBurnie
Sheffield United subs: Jagielka, Moore, K Freeman, Osborn, Rodwell, Lundstram, L Freeman, Zivkovic, Mousset