For Fernández, it is a first appearance of any sort since the Argentine’s move from Swansea City on the final day of the transfer window. Ki and Schär, meanwhile, both featured throughout United’s pre-season campaign, but have yet to play in the Premier League.

Fernández and Schär are introduced to a five-man backline that does not feature skipper Jamaal Lascelles, who is set to sit out the clash and join fellow ankle injury victim Javier Manquillo – as well as long-term absentee Florian Lejeune – on the sidelines. Ki, meanwhile, comes in for Jonjo Shelvey, who misses out with a thigh problem.

The defensive pair join Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett and the fit-again DeAndre Yedlin at the back, with Ki sitting alongside Mohamed Diamé in central midfield. With Kenedy ineligible against his parent club, Jacob Murphy plays on the left, with Matt Ritchie on the right.

There is a change up front, too, with Salomón Rondón handed a first start since his loan switch from West Bromwich Albion. The Venezuelan replaces Joselu in the lone striker’s role, with Ayoze Pérez – who scored twice against the Blues on the final day of the 2017/18 campaign – dropping to the bench.

Young duo Jamie Sterry and Sean Longstaff both among the Magpies’ substitutes, with the latter another in line to make his first appearance for the club in a competitive first-team game.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, DeAndre Yedlin, Federico Fernández, Fabian Schär, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diamé, Ki Sung-yueng, Jacob Murphy, Salomón Rondón.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Jamie Sterry, Sean Longstaff, Christian Atsu, Ayoze Pérez, Yoshinori Mutō, Joselu.