Newcastle United’s 2024-25 Premier League campaign gets underway in just under seven weeks with newly-promoted Southampton first up at St James’ Park.
There are expected to be plenty of changes to the first-tream squad between now and that fixture on Saturday, August 17, including both incomings and outgoings.
The Magpies have already brought in Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth while Lewis Hall’s loan move from Chelsea will become permanent for an initial £28million. In terms of players leaving, there is a lot of noise surrounding Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Martin Dubravka and Kieran Trippier.
That is despite Newcastle offloading Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion and Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for a combined £68million to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR)
Here, NewcastleWorld predicts the starting XI Eddie Howe will name on the opening day of the season - on the unlucky basis that there is transfer activity before then:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Although Newcastle are looking to bring in a goalkeeper this summer, Pope is likely to spend another campaign as the club's No.1. | Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
There is a possibility Trippier could leave this summer but if not then he still - at this stage - warrants a place ahead Tino Livramento. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
The Swiss defender continues to age like fine wine. It'll take some effort to edge him out of the starting XI, regardless of who Newcastle sign. | AFP via Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Burn moved back into the centre of defence during the latter part of last season after 18 months at left-back and was outstanding. An important both on and off the field. | Getty Images