'Why is he not playing?': Newcastle United fans react as Steve Bruce names starting XI to face Brighton

(Photo by MIKE EGERTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Watts, drafted into the Magpies’ Premier League squad at the weekend, features on the bench while Emil Krafth and Federico Fernandez form a partnership at the heart of the defence.

Danny Rose and Javier Manquillo return in two changes from the Tottenham Hotspur defeat. Once again, there is no place for Matty Longstaff or Valentino Lazaro in the starting line up.

Andy Carroll also comes back into the matchday squad. Time will tell if he gets a run out at centre-back…

Here is how some supporters reacted to the team news on social media:

@joelintoon: Thought Kelland Watts should have been given the start.

@FergenspielTG: What do you mean Carroll isn’t at centre-back?

@ToonArmy757: Why is Watts not starting…

@rutherford577: Perfect opportunity to give the young lad his debut, total nothing game. Absolutely pointless having an academy if ya, not going to give the lads a chance.

@tombellgreen: We could have had Carroll and CB and all had a good laugh, but you chose to be a spoil sport. I hope you are happy.

@nufc_r: Lazaro?? Longstaff?? Why do we keep playing Bentaleb? Surely this is the time to give other players a run out

@nufcrichys: Why is he so terrified to play any of the academy?

@DavidMonks1: No Longstaff yet again, Bruce doing all he can to keep him

You can follow United’s visit to the Amex Stadium via our live blog.