Newcastle's embarrassing starting XI for first match of season if Lewis Hall joins Man Utd

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Newcastle could be forced to field an extremely depleted starting XI against Liverpool should Lewis Hall transfer to Manchester United . The Magpies have announced Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach following Eddie Howe's departure last week.

However, Jaissle walks into a tough situation in the north east with numerous key stars unavailable. Hall has been heavily linked with a move as the Red Devils make him their leading target for their left-back department.

Bruno Guimaraes has been given permission to travel for a medical to sign for Arsenal after the clubs agreed a £75million fee. Newcastle had been keen to retain their captain for the upcoming season but the Brazil international told chiefs that he was set on a move to north London.

Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have already left Newcastle, signing for Tottenham and Barcelona respectively. Jacob Murphy has been touted with a move to Everton as he entered the final 12 months of his contract.

The Magpies are also dealing with several injuries this pre-season. Before his departure, Howe confirmed that Tino Livramento's calf surgery meant his issues were "the most longer term" and he could be missing at the start of the Premier League season.

Will Osula, Sven Botman, Lewis Miley and Joelinton all had minor injuries at the start of pre-season but have since returned to training. If Hall, Guimaraes and Murphy leave, then Newcastle would really be left in an embarrassing predicament to face Liverpool.

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Nick Pope would retain his starting berth, although the goalkeeper has also been linked with a possible exit. Dan Burn and Sven Botman would be relied upon in central defence, but the first problem arises in the full-back department.

With Livramento out and Hall potentially away, 34-year-old Fabian Schar would have to slot in at right-back. Alex Murphy would be thrown in at the deep end at left-back, despite making just eight appearances for the Magpies in his career.

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The midfield is extremely depleted due to the absences of Tonali and Guimaraes, with Joelinton the most senior option. Joe Willock and Lewis Miley would partner the Brazilian but may struggle to replace their club captain's presence. Nick Woltemade would be leading the line as a solo striker, with Yoanne Wissa and Anthony Elanga on the wings.

While the forward line could be argued to be a dependable strike force, the lack of experience at left-back and the loss of creativity in the middle of the park could point to an embarrassing start to the 2026/27 season.

Pope; Schar, Burn, Botman, Murphy; Miley, Joelinton, Willock; Elanga, Woltemade, Wissa