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Bobby Vincent

'Not as bad as I thought' - Newcastle United fans react to Steve Bruce's XI for West Brom clash

Newcastle United supporters have been reacting to Steve Bruce's latest line-up, with West Bromwich Albion coming to St. James' Park.

It's been a busy week off-the-field for the Magpies, with a coronavirus outbreak hitting the squad.

Bruce confirmed prior to the clash that a "big chunk" of his squad wouldn't be available for the home match against the Baggies.

The Newcastle boss said: "We have far more than we had on Monday. Some have had it and it has now left them. We have enough to pick a team."

When asked which players were likely to be missing, Bruce reflected: "I have to respect the players and the staff and their wishes.

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"You have to respect their wishes. It was a significant number and we will be without a big chunk of players.

"I have two members of staff who have been sick with it. The club has done everything they can to look after the welfare of the players.

"I feel like a doctor this week, not a football manager."

However, Bruce has managed to pick an XI to face the struggling West Brom on Tyneside.

The confirmed line-up: Karl Darlow, Emil Krafth, Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Jonjo Shelvey (C), Sean Longstaff, Matt Ritchie, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson.

Magpies supporters have been reacting to the latest team news - with the likes of Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Allan Saint-Maximi n all missing from the matchday squad.

Newcastle could go as high as 10th-place if they can beat West Brom this afternoon.

Bruce's men went into the weekend in 13th-place on 14 points, and are looking for back-to-back victories after the impressive win at Crystal Palace a couple of weeks ago.

It's then a trip to Leeds United on Wednesday evening, before welcoming Fulham to St. James' Park just a few days later.

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