Team news: Woodman handed Premier League debut against West Ham

With goalkeeping duo Martin Dúbravka and Karl Darlow both continuing their recoveries from injury and Covid-19 respectively, Woodman will make his English top-flight bow in the Magpies' opening Premier League fixture of the 2021/22 campaign.

In front of the Croydon-born 24-year-old, who joined the Magpies' Academy in 2013, the defence is likely to consist of five men. Federico Fernández captains the hosts this afternoon and is situated in the heart of United's backline alongside Ciaran Clark and Emil Krafth. Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie occupy the wing-back roles.

Jonjo Shelvey will play alongside Isaac Hayden in the middle of the park while Miguel Almirón and Allan Saint-Maximin will both provide support for Callum Wilson, who has scored eight goals in his last ten appearances against West Ham, more than he has netted against any other side in his league career.

There are options in every area on the bench, with Dwight Gayle, who netted a brace in last week's 3-0 friendly victory against Norwich City, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser all at Steve Bruce's attacking disposal.

Centre-backs Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles have been named on the substitutes' list too along with Jamal Lewis, Sean Longstaff and Jeff Hendrick, who scored on his Newcastle debut against the Hammers in last year's 2-0 win at the London Stadium in September.

Newcastle United: Freddie Woodman, Jacob Murphy, Emil Krafth, Federico Fernández (c), Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, Miguel Almirón, Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson. 

Substitutes: Mark Gillespie, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Longstaff, Ryan Fraser, Joelinton, Dwight Gayle.