Almost at full-strength? Predicted Newcastle lineup to face St Etienne

Newcastle’s pre-season comes to and end today with St Etienne heading to St James’ Park.

It’s the Magpies’ one and only home friendly, and it’ll be interesting to see how many fans show up with all the talk of a boycott ahead of the new campaign.

But on the pitch, Steve Bruce will be tasked with picking probably his best available side, and the team that will likely start the first game of the season against Arsenal.

This is the manager’s last chance to see what his players can do before competitive action kicks off.

Dubravka to return

Martin Dubravka didn’t feature in our previous two friendlies, but will be in between the sticks against St Etienne. The Slovakian is our best keeper by a long distance.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

In front of him, Bruce only needs to make one change to the defence that started against Hibs. Matt Ritchie came off with an injury early on and was replaced by Rolando Aarons, who really impressed in Edinburgh. This is a big chance for him to stake a claim during Ritchie’s absence.

Javi Manquillo was excellent against Hibs and should start again alongside Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett.

Shelvey, Longstaff and Hayden can work as a trio

Bruce has been operating with three centre-midfielders, and his best trio is Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden. With Arsenal on the horizon, the three midfielders need another chance to gel together against decent opposition.

(Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Premier League)

Shelvey looks rejuvenated, Longstaff is only going to get better and it’s fantastic to still have Hayden at the club. They are our best midfield trio, and need to play at least an hour together against the Ligue 1 side.

Almiron and Joelinton have the potential

Miguel Almiron and Joelinton started together against Hibs and have already shown they have chemistry. The first time they linked up against Preston, we won a penalty.