Matias Fernandez-Pardo is set to make his Newcastle United debut against AFC Bournemouth this afternoon - but will it be from the start, or as a substitute?
The 21-year-old Belgian became the Magpies’ eighth - and final - signing of the summer on deadline day after arriving from Lille for £51million.
Matthias Jaissle has shown no hesitation in throwing his new signings straight into the starting line-up; just ask Amar Dedic and Nico Gonzalez. So will he do the same with Fernandez-Pardo?
“He's fit, he's training with us but it's been a while since he played the last time, over 90 minutes,” Jaissle said. “It's also important for a young lad to adapt towards our intensity in training but also the intensity in the Premier League, so we will have a close eye on him and we are smart also with the load management.
“We want to enjoy him for a longer period and not just for one game.”
Here’s how Newcastle are predicted to line-up against the Cherries at St James’ Park:
1. Newcastle United predicted XI v AFC Bournemouth
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2. GK: Lukas Hornicek
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3. RB: Amar Dedic
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4. CB: Malick Thiaw
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