This is the team Steve Bruce has named for tonight’s match at Old Trafford against Manchester United. It has just one change from the defeat at Chelsea with Joelinton coming in for Dwight Gayle.
It appears that Bruce will stick with the 4-3-3 formation that he’s used over the past four matches. That didn’t suit Dwight Gayle, who’s basically a poacher, so it’s Joelinton in for him.
Newcastle need Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and Joe Willock to pose more of a threat than at Chelsea. Likewise, the backline will need to be solid against this lethal Red Devils attack.
The bench is a decent one attack-wise but there are few options in defense. It’s a shame that Matty Longstaff doesn’t even make the squad for this one.
Here is who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has selected for the hosts.
If there was ever a time to put in a heroic display, tonight is the night. Newcastle are just 3 points out of the relegation places with Fulham rising from the depths to pull back 7 points in just over a week.
Now is the time for players to step up and show some passion for the shirt. That has to happen as soon as Paul Tierney blows his whistle. None of this passive nonsense from last week. It’s do-or-die time for Newcastle United.
Howay The Lads!
357 comments so far
Tackle from behind
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #1Some odd names on their bench.
The starting 11 look strong though. We’ll wear them down and strike when they least expect.
1 -0 to the TOON.
Uncertain Toon/World
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #2No Fraser? C’mon man 🙁
Jail for Ashley
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:14 PM
Comment #3Let’s hope the gloves are back on and he’s going back to not his way.
CJ
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:14 PM
Comment #4Have to admit after gayles performance against chelsea and elbows carroll cameos I have to agree with the selction of joelinton…no matter how much that pains me..would have chosen Fraser instead
Uncertain Toon/World
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:14 PM
Comment #5Wan-Bassaka and Shaw starting, was Bruce not at the Chelsea game?
wartongeordie
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:15 PM
Comment #6Come on Joe, prove us wrong.
Adamn_92
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:16 PM
Comment #7If it’s 3 in midfield, whichever side shelvey is on will get murdered. Neither full back or I’ll cope with rashfrord or james particularly well and will need protection if wan-bissaka or Shaw push on. Shelvey is hopeless at tracking or following a 1-2 so could get carved apparent easily. Especially if they quick pass on that side to the byline and cut it back which we never deal with. I would love at least a point tonight but can’t see it sadly. Would love to be wrong though.
Jarra
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:16 PM
Comment #8Not the line up I was hoping for I wanted Fraser for Joelinton and fear the same again for Kraft being exposed.
First twenty minutes will show if we are up for it with hard pressing in their faces.
When we get the ball try and keep it for a while else it will be really challenging.
AncientC
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:16 PM
Comment #9Daniel James against Lewis? That one is a job for Dummett in a back 4.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:17 PM
Comment #10Something is beginning to tell me Fraser might not have been a Bruce signing and he was foisted on him as he was free.
wartongeordie
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:18 PM
Comment #11Agree about Fraser, should start. can’t doubt his pace or attitude.
Tackle from behind
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:18 PM
Comment #12Don’t panic yet lads – Bruce will have a plan for all of those problems.
.
.
.
.
OK, now panic.
Jarra
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:20 PM
Comment #13Didn’t Bruce say a few weeks ago about not being able to play Fraser and ASM together due to injuries and covid.
Why make such a comment when they are available he doesn’t play them
Carson80
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:20 PM
Comment #14Jail think Gillespie and Hendrick were the only 2 Bruce had an input on, that and giving lucrative new contracts to s#£&e and over the hill players.
😉
hibbit
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:23 PM
Comment #15do people think Graeme Jones is having any input into this team selection or has Bruce blanked him ??
Moonraker15
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:24 PM
Comment #16CJ
Joelinton should be nowhere near the first team!
He’s useless!
Jamesthefirst
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:25 PM
Comment #17Fascinating 1 hour interview with Ben Jacobs on the NUFC takeover on the Steve Wraith show. Just finished, and worth a watch.
https://youtu.be/CT3LvL5mYPc
Jarra
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:25 PM
Comment #18Hibbitt Ref Jones no idea can not second guess Bruce
toon22
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:25 PM
Comment #19Longstaff always has a good game against Manu
Best not risk gettin those 3 points aye..
Not another deJong
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:26 PM
Comment #20At least Hendrick did not come back in!
hibbit
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:26 PM
Comment #21i was told early on that Gillespie was a Steve Harper recommendation for 3rd choice keeper !!!!
Not another deJong
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:27 PM
Comment #22Jamesthefirst
What was the main thrust of what Ben Jacobs had to say?
Or did he just cover all bases…..again.
Adamn_92
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:27 PM
Comment #23I still genuinely think jones was allowed to have an input for the Everton game, hence seeing him animated and a completely different performance. Jones got the limelight for that and my gut feeling is Bruce didn’t like it and has made him take a back seat, hence no longer seeing jones barking orders and a downturn in performances again. Bruce is a stubborn ignorant man and he doesn’t like the limelight off of him. That’s just my personal take on it anyway.
Carson80
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:28 PM
Comment #24Hibbit looking at that line up nah.
Not another deJong
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:29 PM
Comment #25Apparently Joelinton is in the last chance saloon.
If he doesn’t pull his socks up he will be out.
Tackle from behind
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:30 PM
Comment #26Carson
You do realise that each time you change your avatar picture, you get charged.
Carson80
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:30 PM
Comment #27Really hoping the bairns go to bed before the game starts, they’re adamant they’re watching bloody Dancing on Ice and it’s on till 8pm.
hibbit
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:31 PM
Comment #28Jarra there’s nowt new, it’s just rinse and repeat, just looks to me like Jones is being blanked,
Carson80
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:31 PM
Comment #29Tackle didn’t leave any payment details mate.
😉
Adamn_92
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:32 PM
Comment #30First game of jones appointment, on the sideline barking orders and get a great result and performance. Then he decides to just…not do that next time? Decided after that good performance to sit quietly in the stands to see over the game to start with, then isn’t as animated in the sidelines? Nah I don’t believe that, he was told to step back and not hog Bruce’s limelight.
Slatymag
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:33 PM
Comment #31Shelvey to jog towards his own goal while Man U fly past him in numbers only to stop after ten yards and watch from afar. Joelinton to surpass himself and put in a cross/shoot wide. Lose by at least three. Bruce to point out there were signs of improvement. Sleeves rolled up. Drawing board. Rinse and repeat.
Jarra
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:34 PM
Comment #32So we have Bruce no gloves on and Joe pulling his socks up not the best team talk but it might motivate some.
Think first twenty minutes will be telling and concerned I might not be able to watch till half time.
bro56
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:34 PM
Comment #33Shelvey will be run ragged in the middle. Laziest player in the prem. Scrutinise his play. Points, doesnt tackle, fails to track back.
4- 1 man united and thats me being optimistic
Toon toon
Adamn_92
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:35 PM
Comment #34If we lose I wonder if Bruce will admit we’re in a relegation fight. Or will he roll out another inspirational ‘see where we are when the season ends’.
WLtoon
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:35 PM
Comment #35It`s a free hit this game so even a scrappy point will see me doing somersaults, well erm, maybe a jig on the rug.
I won`t be too down if we lose tonight but that is where the line is drawn for me, Wolves onwards is the focus imo. No joy from the 2 games after this one then i really do think we are screwed.
I guess Joe was favourite to take Gayle`s place so no surprise there, though i think Fraser should of started.
kimbo
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:36 PM
Comment #36Well another game without a goal!!!!
magicmac54
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:37 PM
Comment #37Tonight is probably about damage limitation, although they will probably be feeling a bit leggy having played away in the Europa cup on thursday, my heart says we will win, but my head says 2-0 to Manure, please please prove me wrong Lads.
Tsunki
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:38 PM
Comment #38Photo caption “…I’ve had…the time of my li-i-ife…and I owe it Al to you-ooo…”
It looks like joelinton on Strictly. 😀
Tackle from behind
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:38 PM
Comment #39It’s definitely gotten bad when fans are switching off after seeing the team sheet.
bro56
Feb 21, 2021 at 6:39 PM
Comment #40After 90 mins.
.Bruce: well theyre a wonderful team, up there at the top end of the table. It was always going to be dificult with the pace they possess. But after conceeding 4 sloopy goals i saw some positives and i think, if we keep getting beat like we do, we’ll be ok. The players are enjoying our new system since i arrived 18months ago and i think the fans are seeing what we’re trying to achieve. So onto the next game which will be difficult, make no bones about that!