In the full-pitch game at the end of the training session, two Newcastle sides lined up against one another. Both in 4-2-3-1 formations, the teams were as followed: Team A: Krul; Janmaat, Taylor, Williamson, Haidara; Anita, Colback; Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Obertan; Cisse Team B: Darlow; Lascelles, Mbemba, Coloccini, Ferguson; Tiote, Anita; Aarons, De Jong, Perez; Mitrovic Seeing as "Team A" is the exact same line-up that began the Borussia friendly, an assumption could be made that this could be the starting XI for Southampton on Sunday. Paul Simpson was quick to suggest over the tannoy that such assumptions are not valid given it is a training session, but this side seems to have regularly played together throughout pre-season. Interestingly though, in the second-half Mbemba and Coloccini replaced Taylor and Williamson at the heart of Newcastle's defence, while Wijnaldum shifted deeper in place of Anita. That allowed De Jong to play in the No 10 role, with Perez on the left of the three and Mitrovic up top. Essentially it is extremely difficult to second-guess exactly what Steve McClaren's starting line-up will be on Sunday, but clearly he wants to play a 4-2-3-1. Wijnaldum can operate either in an advanced position or in a deeper role, while Mitrovic could replace Cisse in the XI and De Jong could well start too. It will be interesting to see exactly what McClaren goes with on Sunday, but there are already some early hints as to what he is thinking... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
