How are Newcastle shaping up?

Newcastle begin life in the Championship with a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Friday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.

The Magpies have been busy in the transfer market since last season’s relegation, so how are they shaping up for the new campaign? And how could they line up against Fulham?

Here, we take a look at Rafael Benitez’s options…

Goalkeeper

Karl Darlow will hope to keep his place after finishing last season as Newcastle’s first choice, but he faces competition from new signing Matz Sels. The 25-year-old arrived from Belgian champions Gent last month, and he has shared goalkeeping duties with Darlow during pre-season. Rob Elliot will be third choice, with Tim Krul rumoured to be leaving the club.

Defence

Benitez has options in defence, too. Daryl Janmaat was linked with a move away from the club at the start of the summer but he has featured prominently in pre-season and looks set to stay and fight for the right-back spot with new signing …

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