Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists he has no first-choice players at this stage in preseason.
Howe says all positions are up for grabs.
He said, "I think these are decisions that I have to make. There's no guarantee for any player.
"That is the most important thing. It is not based on transfer fees or what people cost it is all about at that moment who is in the best physical or mental condition to perform and help us win. So those decisions I have to make, in the lead up to the Aston Villa game."
Asked if he has a starting XI in mind, the manager said: "No I don't. There's still so much football to come until the first game. We have another team playing tomorrow and that could change my opinion. Injuries will play a part.
"Things can change my opinion and give me food for thought. Of course, you have a basic framework of what you think it might be. It can always change."