Fans would like to see Miguel Almiron back in Newcastle United's starting eleven as Eddie Howe's side return to action at St James' Park for a mid-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano. The Magpies face the La Liga side on Saturday afternoon, four days before resuming their season with a Carabao Cup clash against Bournemouth.
Newcastle enjoyed a five-goal thrashing of domestic champions Al-Hilal on December 8 as part of their warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia. Braces from Miguel Almiron and Joelinton as well as a first senior strike from academy prospect Dylan Stephenson ensured the Magpies lifted the Diriyah Season Cup.
Howe has since been able to welcome a number of key players back into the fold following the World Cup. Bruno Guimaraes confirmed his return to training in a social media post on Thursday, with England duo Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson reporting for duty the day before.
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None of the international stars were expected to feature against Rayo Vallecano, although Nick Pope and Trippier have both been pictured at St James' Park ahead of kick-off. Howe could name a similar lineup to the side who beat Al Hilal last time out, with a number of academy stars once again potentially featuring from the bench.
Bearing that in mind, Newcastle fans would like to see Loris Karius keep his place having kept a clean sheet on his debut last time out. Supporters have called for Dan Burn to partner Sven Botman in the heart of defence, with Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett on either side.
Howe has been urged to once again start Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock and Joelinton, with the latter shrugging off an initial injury concern. Fans are also keen for Almiron to earn more minutes from the start, with the Paraguay international selected in attack with Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood.
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