Newcastle predicted lineup vs Tottenham - Premier League
By Tom Gott
The Mike Ashley days are over and Newcastle will kick off a new era when they host Tottenham at St James' Park on Sunday.
The club have already confirmed that Steve Bruce will remain in charge for the fixture - his 1,000th in the Premier League - and the boss has few injury concerns to spoil the occasion.
It's likely to be Bruce's final game in the dugout before Newcastle's owners go in a different direction, although he may argue that picking a winning side here is proof that he deserves more time.
Here's who he may pick...
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Tottenham - Premier League
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Karl Darlow (GK) - Martin Dubravka is no closer to returning, so the starting spot still goes to Darlow.
Federico Fernandez (CB) - He's been wearing the captain's armband in recent weeks, but he might be about to give it up because...
Jamaal Lascelles (CB) - Lascelles is back in the squad after two weeks out and could bring about a return to a back three.
Ciaran Clark (CB) - Clark has started the last four matches and isn't likely to lose his spot.
2. Midfielders
Javier Manquillo (RM) - Manquillo keeps his spot for now, but he'll need to step up his performances if he wants to retain it when the January transfer window opens.
Joe Willock (CM) - After ending last season with a run of seven successive games with a goal, Willock will go seven without if he doesn't net here. Of course.
Isaac Hayden (CM) - With Lascelles back, Hayden can push himself back up into central midfield.
Sean Longstaff (CM) - Longstaff has featured in every game so far this season and will be tasked with controlling Tottenham's more physical midfield trio.
Matt Richie (LM) - One of the most creative players in the Premier League so far this season, Richie is an obvious selection at wing-back.
3. Forwards
Callum Wilson (ST) - It's been a while since we've seen him, but Wilson is back and available after six weeks out with a hamstring injury. He scored twice in his first three appearances and will hope to return with a bang.
Allan Saint-Maximin (ST) - Until Kylian Mbappe joins in January, Saint-Maximin will continue to be Newcastle's superstar. Even then, who'd bet against him stealing the show?