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Team news: Fernández and Willock start at Watford
Written by Grant Pringle
Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has handed a start to Federico Fernández as his side seek a first win of the season at Watford on Saturday - while midfielder Joe Willock has been passed fit to start at Vicarage Road (3pm kick-off).
The Magpies face the Hornets on the back of last week’s encouraging 1-1 draw at home to Leeds, with head coach Bruce turning to Fernández to replace the injured captain Jamaal Lascelles.
And Willock, who was expected to be ruled out with a toe injury, has recovered sufficiently to earn a start for United against the newly-promoted side.
Karl Darlow keeps his place in goal, with Javier Manquillo, Isaac Hayden, stand-in skipper Fernández, Ciaran Clark and Matt Ritchie forming a back five.
Summer signing Willock lines up in the middle of the park alongside Miguel Almirón and Sean Longstaff.
And that leaves Joelinton to deputise for the injured Callum Wilson up front, with the Brazilian set to be supported by the in-form Allan Saint-Maximin, who also starts in attack.
Youngster Elliot Anderson is named on the bench for the first time this season, along with Mark Gillespie, Jamal Lewis, Fabian Schär and Emil Krafth.
Jacob Murphy and Jeff Hendrick are also named as substitutes, with Ryan Fraser and Dwight Gayle providing further attacking options.
Newcastle United: Karl Darlow; Javier Manquillo, Isaac Hayden, Federico Fernández, Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie; Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Miguel Almirón; Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton.
Substitutes: Mark Gillespie, Emil Krafth, Jacob Murphy, Fabian Schär, Jamal Lewis, Jeff Hendrick, Elliot Anderson, Ryan Fraser, Dwight Gayle.