Newcastle United’s starting XI versus Mainz 05 confirmed: Sven Botman starts

Eddie Howe has named his Newcastle United starting XI to face Bundes

Sven Botman starts for Newcastle United against Mainz 05 at the Kufstein Stadium this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The £35million summer signing played the second half in the 3-0 win over 1860 Munich on Friday, partnering Dan Burn and then Fabian Schar.

The Botman-Schar centre-back partnership continues in Austria with Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn on the bench.

Speaking previously about Botman, head coach Eddie Howe said: “Really pleased to get the deal done, it’s no secret we’ve been chasing him for a long time. Real ability, I think you saw that today. He’s a presence. He’s a really good size, his technical ability has been evident from day one in pre-season.

“His ability to play not just long passes, but short passes. He’s very, very composed. I think he’s settled in very well to the group. He’s a very likeable person, very laid back and calm. I’ve been very pleased with his impact on the group in a short period of time. I think he’ll be very pleased with today”

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier also start in what is the same starting XI that finished the game against Munich.