Toure starts, Jaouen returns - Confirmed Newcastle and Strasbourg team news

Newcastle are back at St James’ Park after the game against Leverkusen, as part of the Visit Malta double-header.

The game gives the club one last chance to prepare for the big game against Liverpool next weekend. A fully changed 11 was expected, as is the case for these weekender double-headers.

Here’s how the two sides line up at St James’ Park.

Confirmed line-ups

Newcastle XI: Jaouen; Shahar, Schar, Burn (c), Charlton; Ramsey, Bamba; Murphy, Willock, Toure; Osula.

Subs: Gillespie, Pivas, Johnson, Finneran, Sanusi, Neave.

Strasbourg XI: Jorgensen, Doue, Omobamidele, Becker, Chilwell, Mourabet, Sousa, Nanasi, Amo-Ameyaw, Moreira, Mara. 

One of the best things about these weekend double-headers is that we get to see lots of players. The problem this preseason is we don’t appear to have enough of them. While it never feels like there is an A team and a B team for these games, the Saturday 11 feels stronger.

Burn and Schar starting throws some experience into the mix at the back. The big test will be how the pair handle Jaissle’s system, which has sometimes left us light at the bash.

We also get a chance to see Jaouen again, clearly signed as the number two in goal; a good performance here will help drive competition between himself and Hornicek.

This will also be a big game for Toure and Bamba, with Toure in particular looking good in flashes down the left wing. Bamba clearly needs time to settle, and more games will only help there as he acclimatises.

This is also another huge chance for Osula to prove he can play a full game and not drop off after 45 minutes of running. Ramsey has probably the best chance since joining to cement a starting spot with a good game today, especially with Joelinton injured and Lewis Miley building back to full fitness.