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Team news: Karius makes Newcastle United debut
Goalkeeper Loris Karius has been handed his Newcastle United debut ahead of the Magpies' friendly against Al Hilal on Thursday evening.
The German shot-stopper, who joined United on a short-term contract in September 2022, starts in-between the sticks for the first time ahead of the Diriyah Cup clash at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium (kick-off 5pm GMT).
Eddie Howe has elected for a four-man defence as Jamaal Lascelles captains the visitors and will partner Sven Botman in the heart of defence, whilst Javier Manquillo and Jamal Lewis occupy the respective flanks.
Jonjo Shelvey is situated in the middle of the park alongside Joelinton and Joe Willock while Jacob Murphy and Allan Saint-Maximin will aim to provide attacking support for frontman Chris Wood, who celebrated his 31st birthday yesterday.
On the substitutes' bench, Miguel Almirón, Sean Longstaff, Ryan Fraser and Elliot Anderson are all available to deploy while there are a number of youngsters who could make their Newcastle first-team debuts this evening, including Irish defender Alex Murphy, attacking midfielder Jay Turner-Cooke and 16-year-old forward Lewis Miley.
Dan Burn, Mark Gillespie, Joe White and Dylan Stephenson make up the remainder of Newcastle's bench.
Newcastle United: Loris Karius, Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Sven Botman, Jamal Lewis, Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Chris Wood.
Substitutes: Mark Gillespie, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy, Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson, Joe White, Miguel Almirón, Ryan Fraser, Jay Turner-Cooke, Lewis Miley, Dylan Stephenson.