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Team news: Pope handed Magpies bow, Botman on bench
Written by Dan King
Nick Pope will make his competitive debut for Newcastle United in this afternoon's opening match of the Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 3pm BST).
The England international goalkeeper, who joined the Magpies from Burnley in June, starts between the posts for Eddie Howe's side against newly-promoted Forest, while fellow summer signing Sven Botman is among the substitutes.
Matt Targett, who made his loan move from Aston Villa permanent in the close season, is in the starting XI, lining up at left-back in a defence also comprising of Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and captain for the day Kieran Trippier.
In midfield, Brazilian duo Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton are joined by Joe Willock, while Miguel Almirón's impressive pre-season performances have earned him a starting berth.
He will join Allan Saint-Maximin in supporting central striker Callum Wilson, who has been United's leading scorer for the past two campaigns.
Martin Dúbravka is the substitute goalkeeper, while Botman is joined on the bench by Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Ryan Fraser, Chris Wood and teenager Elliot Anderson, who spent the second half of last term with Bristol Rovers but has enjoyed an eye-catching pre-season and could make his competitive home bow at some stage today.
Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier (c), Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães, Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson
Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Matt Ritchie, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Ryan Fraser, Chris Wood