Lineup reaction: Bruce selects a strong Newcastle squad vs. Oxford United

Steve Bruce has deployed a strong lineup for Newcastle United against Oxford United.

With a chance to advance in the FA Cup vs. Oxford United, Steve Bruce has put out a strong lineup today for Newcastle United. We take a look at the squad and react to the selections.

Starting XI

Darlow/Yedlin/Schar/Lascelles (c)/Clark/Ritchie/S. Longstaff/Bentaleb/Almiron/Joelinton/Saint-Maximin

Bench

Allan/Atsu/Elliot/Fernandez/Hayden/M. Longstaff/Sorensen

Reaction

Steve Bruce said he was going to put out the best group he could and this is pretty close to that. Karl Darlow will continue to start in goal, giving Martin Dubravka a rare day off. The backline is solid and Matt Ritchie steps in for the injured Jetro Willems.

More from Newcastle Toons

In the midfield, Nabil Bentaleb will make his Newcastle United debut with a start next to Sean Longstaff. He hasn’t played much this season and he may be a bit rusty, but he will definitely be motivated to make a strong first impression in front of the home crowd. Longstaff has not been at his best lately, but he could shine against a lower division side.

The attacking three players today are the best that Newcastle can offer at this time and more confidence-boosting goals could be just what the doctor ordered for Joelinton and Co.

On the bench, Thomas Allan helped set up Joelinton in a substitute appearance and he and Christian Atsu could bring some playmaking off the bench if needed. I would expect Isaac Hayden or Matty Longstaff to replace Bentaleb at some point today with the newcomer likely lacking full match fitness. I would love to see Elias Sorensen come off the bench for a decent run out with the first team. He was solid in the preseason and it would be fun to see him in action with ASM and Miggy up top.