Jaissle Debuts Experimental Lineup in Pre-Season Friendly Against Valencia
Head coach Matthias Jaissle names a youthful starting XI for the La Manga clash against Ches Blanquinegros. The selection features debutant Lukáš Horníček and Serbian prospect Miodrag Pivaš.
Key takeaways
- Lukáš Horníček and Miodrag Pivaš make their first starts for the club in Spain.
- Malick Thiaw captains the side on his 25th birthday while Lewis Hall sits out with a knock.
- New signing Aladji Bamba starts in midfield alongside Jacob Ramsey.
- Dan Burn is expected back next week following England's World Cup semi-final exit.
Match Context
Following several days of tactical sessions at the La Manga training camp, Matthias Jaissle takes charge of his first match as head coach. The opposition, Spanish side Ches Blanquinegros, enters the contest after securing a ninth-place finish in La Liga last season. With the Premier League season beginning in roughly two weeks, this friendly serves as a primary assessment tool for the new coaching staff.
Tactical Selections and Debuts
Jaissle has integrated several new arrivals into his initial team sheet. Lukáš Horníček, recently signed from Braga, starts in goal. The defensive line introduces 21-year-old Serbian Miodrag Pivaš for his first start since joining the club from Jedinstvo Ub two years ago. Malick Thiaw celebrates his 25th birthday by wearing the captain’s armband, anchoring a backline that includes Sven Botman and Leo Shahar.
In midfield, summer acquisition Aladji Bamba partners with Jacob Ramsey. The attacking width is provided by Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, while the duo of Nick Woltemade and William Osula spearhead the offensive effort as central strikers.
Injury Updates and Absences
Several first-team regulars remain sidelined for the fixture. Lewis Hall is being rested as a precaution following a minor knock. Both Fabian Schär and Alex Murphy are unavailable for selection. Tino Livramento continues his recovery from a summer surgical procedure, while Dan Burn is scheduled to rejoin the squad next week following his international duties during England’s World Cup semi-final run.
Bench Options
The substitutes' bench features Henry Johnson, a Newbottle-born teenager who recently finalized his first professional contract. Other players available for rotation include Joelinton, Yoane Wissa, and Joe Willock. Goalkeeping cover is provided by Mark Gillespie and Aidan Harris.
Key Facts
- Starting XI: Horníček, Botman, Bamba, Osula, Barnes, Thiaw (c), Elanga, Woltemade, Ramsey, Pivaš, Shahar.
- Captaincy: Malick Thiaw leads the side on his 25th birthday.
- Debutants: Lukáš Horníček and Miodrag Pivaš earn their first starts for the club.
- Substitutes: A 13-man bench includes high-profile names like Joelinton and Wissa alongside academy graduate Henry Johnson.
Source: Newcastle United
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