Newcastle United’s confirmed line-up v Rayo Vallecano: Nick Pope & Kieran Trippier back but big names missing

Eddie Howe has fielded a strong Newcastle United starting XI to take on La Liga side Rayo Vallecano this afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm GMT).

Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier are back in following their return from World Cup duty with England.

Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman partner at centre-back, while Matt Targett has overcome a bout of illness to step in at left-back.

Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock form the midfield three. Chris Wood leads the line with Allan Saint-Maximin and Jacob Murphy either side.

There are 16 absences from the matchday squad, including Karl Darlow, Loris Karius, Dan Burn, Jamal Lewis, Javier Manquillo, Matt Ritchie, Miguel Almiron, Elliot Anderson, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser.

Fabian Schar, Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes have been left out having just returned from Qatar. Alexander Isak (thigh), Emil Krafth (ACL), and Paul Dummett (back) were ruled out prior to the game.

Newcastle United starting XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Matt Targett, Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Chris Wood.

Subs: Mark Gillespie, Niall Brookwell, Nathan Carlyon, Josh Scott, Dylan Stephenson, Kyle Crossley, Michael Mdiweni, Jay Turner-Cooke, Alex Murphy, Lewis Miley.