Newcastle United supporters were all saying the same thing after Sven Botman was named amongst the substitutes to face Nottingham Forest. The Magpies had been expecting to see the Dutch youth international start against the Premier League new boys, but the Toon head coach has opted to field a centre-half pairing of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.
Eddie Howe's side will be looking to avoid a repeat of the beginning of last season, whereby it took them until December to win their first league game. The takeover on Tyneside and the incredible form since the turn of the year has created a huge sense of optimism and it all starts today against Nottingham Forest.
There's starts for Nick Pope and Matt Targett following their permanent arrivals earlier this summer, while Miggy Almiron starts on the right after an impressive pre-season campaign. Newcastle will line up against Jesse Lingard after months of speculation linking the former Manchester United playmaker with a move to St. James' Park.
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Here's what Newcastle United supporters had to say on social media:
@KezzaMags said: "Spend 40m on a defender for him to not start."
@Awefridi said: "Should’ve started Botman but HOWAY THE LADS."
@itsoliver87 tweeted: "Botman on the bench what a joke."
@SavMondo said: "Thank you Eddie Howe for reading my tweet about starting Fabian and making that happen. I hope you have a lovely day."
@Brandonl33g said: "That’s one strong team hopefully Botman comes on in the second half."
@Ryan__Kelly97 tweeted: "Trust the coach he obviously has his reasons like he did with Bruno starting out."
@LittleHenryD said: "Gone with the tried and tested. Happy with that."
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