News. Team news: Six changes

20211227-sean-longstaff
Published
27 Dec 21

Eddie Howe fields a much-changed side as Newcastle United bid to move closer to Premier League safety by beating Manchester United at St. James’ Park.

In total, there are six changes to the XI who started last Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to the Red Devils’ cross-city rivals, Manchester City.

Three of those are in the Magpies’ backline, with Emil Krafth, Javier Manquillo and Fabian Schär coming in for Jacob Murphy, Matt Ritchie and Ciaran Clark. With Ritchie and Jamal Lewis both absent, it’s likely Manquillo will line up at left back.

In midfield, there is a first start for Sean Longstaff since Howe took charge. He joins Jonjo Shelvey in the middle of the park, who returns after a one-game absence.

Allan Saint-Maximin – a substitute against City – is also back in United’s starting line-up, with Ryan Fraser, Joelinton and Callum Wilson all keeping their places.

Howe names just eight substitutes of a possible nine, however, including two goalkeepers – Freddie Woodman and Mark Gillespie – and two youngsters, Elliot Anderson and Joe White.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schär, Javier Manquillo, Ryan Fraser, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Callum Wilson.

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Mark Gillespie, Jacob Murphy, Jeff Hendrick, Joe White, Elliot Anderson, Miguel Almirón, Dwight Gayle.

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