Wilson returns, Dubravka makes the bench for Newcastle vs. Liverpool

Newcastle United have unveiled their lineup as they look to shock league-leading Liverpool.

After a Boxing Day defeat vs. Manchester City, Newcastle United are back in action today as they host Liverpool. With less than an hour until kickoff, Steve Bruce’s lineup has been announced with a few welcome returns and some clear tactical decisions.

Starting XI

Karl Darlow remains the starter in goal and the back five in front of him is unchanged from the City match with DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie playing wing-back outside of Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, and Fabian Schar. Fernandez will be wearing the captain’s armband.

In the midfield, it will be Isaac Hayden and young Matty Longstaff for the second consecutive match.

Returning from a slight knock, Callum Wilson is back up for the Magpies. He’s joined in the attack by Joelinton and Jacob Murphy.

Substitutes

For the first time this season, Martin Dubravka has made the matchday roster as he will backup Darlow. Jonjo Shelvey is also back in the squad as he was left out vs. City due to soreness from his previous groin surgery.

He has defensive reinforcements in Emil Krafth and Jamal Lewis on the bench. Despite not being fully healthy, Jeff Hendrick is available to help in the midfield, as is Sean Longstaff.

In the attack, Bruce can utilize Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll, or Miguel Almiron, who started vs. City.

Reaction

No major surprises here from Bruce. Wilson, when healthy, should always be the starter at striker. The best part of this squad is the inclusion of Dubravka and Shelvey on the bench. It indicates that Shelvey’s soreness won’t keep him out long and Dubravka is finally fit after his injury in the preseason. This lineup doesn’t show any inkling that Bruce won’t play incredibly defensive and try to knock the ball forward to big Joe and Wilson.