The predicted NUFC XI expected to line up against Tottenham tomorrow

by Olly Hawkins · Published 12 August 2017, 01:25

The moment is finally here, with Newcastle set to make their eagerly anticipated return to Premier League action at St. James' Park tomorrow against Tottenham Hotspur.

We've considered form, fitness and the players Rafa Benitez has tended to pick over the latter stages of pre-season, and believe this is the team we can expect to see start against Spurs at 1.30pm tomorrow.

GK - Rob Elliot

The reliable Rob Elliot ended last season as Benitez's number one and looks set to get the nod at the start of this season too. Karl Darlow has seen limited game-time over pre-season after being linked with a move away, Tim Krul has been told he does not have a future at the club & young prospect Freddie Woodman won't be thrown in at the deep end just yet.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at right-back for NUFC tomorrow..

RB - Javier Manquillo

With DeAndre Yedlin looking set to miss out through injury, Javier Manquillo is in line to make his competitive debut for the club. The Spaniard impressed in pre-season wins over Wolfsburg and Verona so we will be hoping for a repeat performance from the 23-year old.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-back for NUFC tomorrow..

CB - Florian Lejeune

The £8.7m summer signing has oozed class throughout pre-season and looks set to nail down a place at the heart of Benitez's defence over the coming season. Here's hoping he can continue to impress and show the sort of composure, calmness and quality on the ball he's shown all summer on Sunday.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-back for NUFC tomorrow..

CB - Ciaran Clark

After an outstanding season in the Championship, the Irishman has already begun to develop a promising partnership with Lejeune over pre-season following the absence of Jamaal Lascelles. Clark looks to be a player reborn under Benitez, however the illustrious Harry Kane will offer a considerable test

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at left-back for NUFC tomorrow..

LB - Paul Dummett

Dummett has his critics but was Benitez's most used player in the Championship last season and looks set to continue at left-back at the start of our Premier League season.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-midfield for NUFC tomorrow..

CM - Isaac Hayden

The England U-21 international enjoyed a promising season in the Championship last season and has struck up a solid partnership with Jonjo Shelvey. New boy Mikel Merino could take the former Arsenal youngsters place in time, but the Spaniard is unlikely to be thrown in at the deep end against Spurs after limited pre-season minutes.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start at centre-midfield for NUFC tomorrow..

CM - Jonjo Shelvey

The midfield maestro admitted he was in the best shape of his career earlier this summer and it's been there for all to see over pre-season. He looks fit, lean and razor sharp and has been spraying all sorts of sublime passes around the park over pre-season. He could be the man to unlock the door against Spurs on Sunday.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start on the right wing for NUFC tomorrow..

RM - Matt Ritchie

Ritchie has often been described as the heartbeat of this Newcastle United side and will be one of the first names on Rafa's team sheet tomorrow. He started pre-season a little later than most in the squad, but has looked his busy and bright self in our final few games, including a stunning free kick in our 3-1 win over Wolfsburg.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start on the left wing for NUFC tomorrow..

LM - Christian Atsu

The Ghanaian winger has been one of our stand out player over pre-season and, despite the £12m signing of Jacob Murphy, he looks almost certain to start against Spurs.. He's looked full of confidence and a constant threat, bagging 2 goals and 3 assists over pre season - here's hoping he can take this newfound form into Sunday's game.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start in the no.10 role for NUFC tomorrow..

CAM - Ayoze Perez

The no.10 role has been a problem position for us over the past season and with no new playmaker signed as yet, Ayoze Perez looks set to start off the front. Diame and De Jong are options, but the Spaniard was given the nod in our final game of pre-season against Verona and his well taken goal will only help his cause.

CLICK HERE to see who we expect to start up front for NUFC tomorrow..

ST - Dwight Gayle

Benitez has confirmed that the striker is 'OK' and should be fit to face Spurs on Sunday. A huge boost given his 23 goals last season and recent hamstring troubles.