The match is Newcastle’s final warm-up before they return to competitive action against AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup fourth round at St James’s Park on Tuesday night (7:45pm kick-off). The Magpies have travelled to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp during the World Cup break which saw them have five players out representing their countries in Qatar.
All five have now returned with Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier quickly back involved in the squad for today’s friendly match. Eddie Howe also named a bench made up exclusively of Under-21s players with several key first team players rested after being involved in a behind closed doors training match on Friday.
NUFC line-up: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Targett; Shelvey, Willock, Longstaff; J. Murphy, Saint-Maximin, Wood
Subs: Gillespie, Brookwell, Carlyon, Scott, Stephenson, Crossley, Ndiweni, Turner-Cooke, A.Murphy, L.Miley
5. Emil Krafth - knee
Emil Krafth is out with a long-term knee injury. The right-back ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Carabao Cup win at Tranmere back in August. Photo: Getty
7. Loris Karius - tactical
Martin Dubravka is the preferred option on the bench. Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. Mark Gillespie - tactical
Newcastle’s third choice goalkeeper is back in the 25 man squad following Karl Darlow’s loan to Hull City. Photo: Gualter Fatia