Huge panic as key man's name is absent from Newcastle United team sheet as Eddie Howe picks his side to face Celtic

Newcastle United are back in action today in the first pre-season friendly in front of fans after their behind-closed-doors win over Carlisle United last week.

We expect Eddie Howe to field two different XIs for each half, but we'll focus on the XI we do know, which will start the game at 3pm this afternoon. You can watch live on the NUFC site.

There's no sign of Alexander Isak in the squad, which is only going to add fuel to the fire around a move to Liverpool, but we're sure there's a perfectly good explanation, after all, he was injured at the end of the season and Howe may feel it's not worth the risk so early in pre-season.

Anthony Elanga is in the squad, though the new signing will not be in from the start.

Will Osula hat trick incoming

Will Osula will lead the attack for Newcastle, at least in the first half, with Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes the providers on each side.

Bruno Guimaraes captains the side with Lewis Miley and Joe Willock alongside him in the middle of the park.

The backline will be made up of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Matt Targett, all playing in front of Nick Pope.

Newcastle have plenty of talent available for a full change up at half time

As well as Isak, Joelinton, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are also missing from the player list, with youngsters Sean Neave, Travis Hernes and Anthony Munda all named on the bench.

Harrison Ashby will once again be given a pre-season chance to impress Eddie Howe.

Sandro Tonali, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga will all likely start the second half having been named on the bench.

HOWAY THE LADS!