Starting 11 speculation...

[DjBigK]

With the season little more than two weeks away, we'll soon be seeing our first Newcastle United line-ups for the season. Whilst it would be great if we saw further investment in the squad prior to the start of the season I'm of the thinking that there won't be many if any players added to the roster. Keeping that in mind this is the starting 11 that I'd like to see against Manchester United on Monday 16th of August (Tuesday 17th August our time).

GK: Steve Harper
RB: James Perch*
CB: Sol Campbell
CB: Fabricio Coloccini
LB: Jose Enrique
RM: Wayne Routledge
CM: Danny Guthrie
CM: Joey Barton
LM: Jonas Gutierrez
SS: Kevin Nolan
CF: Andy Carroll

Subs:
Tim Krul (GK)
Mike Williamson (CB)
Ryan Taylor (RB, RM)
Shola Ameobi (CF)
Peter Lovenkrands (CF)
Alan Smith (CM)
Tamas Kadar (CB)

Not used:
Xisco (CF)
Forster (GK)
Vuckic (CM, SS)
Ranger (CF)
Best (CF)
LuaLua (MF)

Not considered:
Steven Taylor (CB, RB)
Danny Simpson (RB)
Dan Gosling (CM)

* - If fit, otherwise Ryan Taylor

I think that's a realistic formation given what we saw from Hughton for away games last season. I can't see him bucking that trend and opting for two up front, though if he did I'd want that pair to be Carroll and Lovenkrands as they're very different players. I think that side gives us a reasonable balance across the park, with some wide attacking options as well as options through the middle.

The selection of Barton might be a controversial one because of his horrid history both with us and in general, but I'm hoping that this season he is given the best chance to return to his on-field form from too many season ago at Man City. I'd love to have better options to use there, but simply put I don't think we do. I do think that Hughton will probably use Smith in the midfield, wanting him to provide a shield to our defense, but I'd argue that having players better in possession will intrinsically reduce the pressure on the defense by virtue of increased time with the ball.

It could be a sink or swim moment for James Perch coming in to his first match against Manchester United and potentially matching up against the pace and trickery of Nani. We don't really have a better option there as I'm far from convinced about Ryan Taylor's defensive abilities.

[Fender]

Do you think Smith will be dropped? I can't see Guthrie starting ahead of Smith.

Otherwise I think thats a pretty much spot on. Barton, Harper or Nolan to wear the captains armband if Smith in on the bench?

[DjBigK]

I think Hughton will use Smith, but I'd rather Guthrie with Barton.

[Geordie_Tas]

I think Hughton will use Smith, but I'd rather Guthrie with Barton.

Agreed. Those two are probably our best passes in the squad. Could be handy with our limited fire power up front.

[Row 'S' Army]

Haven't been ignoring this thread, excellent topic, and in fact I think it is worthy of a blog post so I'll probably compile one this week.

Keep the topics coming Dj, good work mate.

[DjBigK]

Perch was apparently quite ordinary in the friendly against PSV, and may have been sent off if it was a competitive game. Hopefully it was just some nerves wanting to impress playing in his first game, though I don't think it will get any easier from there.

Also it's starting to look like Campbell won't be match fit for the first week of so, with that in mind I'd start a fully fit Williamson alongside Coloccini. Don't want to risk starting Campbell before he's ready and starting him off on the wrong foot.