Allan Saint-Maximin has been named in the starting XI for Newcastle United’s clash with Manchester United this evening.
Saint-Maximin was forced to settle for a spot on the bench in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City eight days ago after picking up a knock against Liverpool earlier in the week and takes the place of Miguel Almiron on the wing.
He will also be joined in the line-up by Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff, who replace Isaac Hayden and Joe Willock in a completely different midfield pairing.
Eddie Howe has also made a further three changes to his back four, with Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar and Javier Manquillo replacing Jacob Murphy, Ciaran Clark and Matt Ritchie.
A mixtures of injuries and Covid cases have led to the changes, with the Magpies unable to field a full bench.
Here is how Newcastle fans have been reacting to the XI.
@chrisda88733699: “Some players I feel have been given the chance to shine before they get sold, so probably a window for them. Might go in our favour if they want to fight for their place.”
@Firephilo: “Worried about the energy in midfield but feel for Howe with the options he has available. Please no defensive mistakes and we have a chance with our forward line.”
@SavMondo: “January is nearly upon us guys so I’m not complaining. Good luck tonight lads.”
@DanHedley9: “Tbf I wanted him to go with Manquillo and Krafth as full backs so we’ve actually got four defenders.”
@Toonymctoonface: “Have we had an outbreak? Weakest bench ever for a Premier League game.”
@ShevasNUFC: “Looks very solid tonight. But it’s what the lads do more than what team we’ve got. Hopefully we show some fight.”
@leighralph: “Wow paper thin tonight. Just make a good account of yourselves. Please.”
@NUFCrage: “Ritchie is finally out of the line-up but I’d rather have Murphy in there at right back than Krafth.”
@RalphBlackburn: “Probably Eddie’s most defensive team so far. Prefer it to the two-defender tactic against Man City.”
@GraemeBell_NUFC: “Shelvey and Longstaff… interesting. I do like the look of that side, good balance to it.”
