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Chemnitzer v Newcastle: Amalfitano Starts
Written by Newcastle Utd
Summer signing Romain Amalfitano is included in a young starting line-up for United's opening friendly
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Summer signing Romain Amalfitano pulls on a Newcastle United shirt for the first time tonight as the Magpies take on Chemnitzer at the Stadion an der Gellertstraße.
The midfielder is part of a young starting line-up selected by manager Alan Pardew for the friendly fixture against the German third division outfit, which includes six players who are aged 22 or below.
Experience in United's ranks comes mainly at the back, where James Perch, Mike Williamson and Ryan Taylor all feature, while former Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan is in from the start on the right flank.
Rob Elliot is given the nod to start in between the sticks, with veteran Steve Harper on the bench and Tim Krul yet to join up with the squad after representing Holland at Euro 2012.
Among the substitutes is Gael Bigirimana, and the teenage midfielder who signed last week from Coventry City will be hoping for some game time.
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Rob Elliot; James Tavernier, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan, Dan Gosling, Mehdi Abeid, Romain Amalfitano; Haris Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi
Substitutes: Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Davide Santon, Gael Bigirimana, Jonas Gutierrez, Shola Ameobi, Demba Ba
