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:
5. LB: Lewis Hall
The left-back, who has officially joined on a permanent deal from Chelsea for an initial £28m, finished last season strong. Deserves the opportunity to keep building. | NUFC
6. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian's £100m release clause has expired but don't expect the speculation to go away! That said, it feels very unlikely that Newcastle will sell him now his future is in their hands. | Getty Images
7. CM: Sean Longstaff
With Joe Willock still recovering from an Achilles injury and Sandro Tonali unavailable until September, Longstaff is set to start the campaign. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joelinton
Newcastle missed Joelinton for a large chunk of last season and it proved costly. His physicality and aggression in the middle of the park is vital. | AFP via Getty Images