Newcastle United face Norwich City in their final pre-season friendly ahead of the new Premier League season.
Preparations for the new campaign have been up and down for the Magpies, but mainly down.
There has been takeover uncertainty and disappointment, as well as no new signings for manager Steve Bruce.
In the final friendly of the summer, Newcastle will welcome Premier League rivals Norwich City to St James’ Park.
But who will Bruce pick for the final game before the new season kicks off next week?
Freddie Woodman in goal for Newcastle
While Karl Darlow has returned to training, it seems very likely that Freddie Woodman will start against Norwich.
He also seems set to make his Premier League debut against West Ham next week.
However, with Darlow nearing a return, it seems like Woodman won’t have a lengthy spell as Newcastle’s number one. Instead, a loan move to the Championship will likely be on the horizon.
First pre-season start for Jonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey returned during the week in the behind closed doors defeat to Burnley.
It was the midfielder’s first involvement this summer, having suffered with injury.
But with the new season very close, this is Shelvey’s last chance to gain match fitness. Therefore, it would make sense to play him from the start.
While the 29-year-old is a polarising figure, we have certainly missed his passing ability during pre-season.
Joelinton and Gayle lead the line in Norwich friendly
With Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson not pictured in training, they seem certain to miss the game against Norwich.
Therefore, it will be down to Joelinton and Dwight Gayle to lead the line.
The former is no longer the number nine, and has probably been one of our more encouraging players during the off-season. The Brazilian has looked lively, and hopefully on course for his best season yet as a Newcastle player.
As for Gayle, he needs a goal to boost his confidence. It looks like he will be Wilson’s deputy all year, and may be called upon quite often considering Wilson’s injury record.
Predicted XI to face Norwich: Woodman; Schar, Lascelles, Clark; Murphy, Hendrick, Shelvey, Hayden, Lewis; Joelinton, Gayle.
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