'WHAT A LINE-UP!': Newcastle United fans rejoice as Steve Bruce handed last minute injury boost ahead of Sheffield United clash

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.

Follow the game LIVE: Our match day blog is up and running live from St James’s Park

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