Latest News
Team news: Ritchie returns, Shelvey captains side
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Matt Ritchie makes his first appearance of Newcastle United’s pre-season campaign as the Magpies take on Bradford City at Valley Parade.
All told, Rafa Benítez has made six changes to his starting XI following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Preston North End.
Rob Elliot keeps his place between the sticks, with Paul Dummett again lining up at left-back.
Recent signing Florian Lejeune also starts, with Ciaran Clark and DeAndre Yedlin returning to the fray at the expense of Grant Hanley and Chancel Mbemba respectively.
Jonjo Shelvey skippers the side, with Isaac Hayden partnering the 25-year-old in the engine room. While Ritchie comes in for Rolando Aarons, Christian Atsu has been retained on the opposite flank.
Up front, Dwight Gayle has been preferred to Aleksandar Mitrović – Newcastle’s goalscorer at Deepdale – with Ayoze Pérez providing support in the No. 10 role.
Newcastle United: Rob Elliot, DeAndre Yedlin, Ciaran Clark, Florian Lejeune, Paul Dummett, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, Christian Atsu, Ayoze Pérez, Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle.
Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Javier Manquillo, Jesús Gámez, Chancel Mbemba, Henri Saivet, Jack Colback, Mohamed Diamé, Jacob Murphy, Siem de Jong, Rolando Aarons, Aleksandar Mitrović.