Newcastle United host Espanyol on Friday as pre-season comes to a close with a huge double-header in the Sela Cup at St James’ Park.
Pre-season has been difficult for Newcastle United to say the least. Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side are without a win all summer, a run of results that have come amidst a backdrop of frustration in the transfer market.
Still, there were signs of life when Newcastle drew 1-1 with Tottenham in South Korea before returning to England. They improved, although little about the team fully convinces as the Premier League opener away at Aston Villa fast approaches.
Newcastle play Espanyol on Friday night before welcoming Atletico Madrid to St James’ on Saturday afternoon as the Sela Cup returns.
Howe was delighted Espanyol agreed to Newcastle’s request for a friendly as he looks to get his squad into fighting shape ahead of the new campaign.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
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Date, kick-off time and venue
Newcastle United vs Espanyol is scheduled for a 7.30pm BST kick-off time on Friday 8 August, 2025.
St James’ Park in Newcastle will host the match.
How to watch Newcastle United vs Espanyol
TV channel: The game will not be broadcast live in the UK.
Live stream: The Newcastle United official website and app will offer a live stream for £4.99.
Newcastle United vs Espanyol team news
Newcastle will be without Joe Willock for the game. Willock has suffered another injury during pre-season and while it’s thought the midfielder has avoided a serious issue, he will not be fit for the double-header.
Sven Botman is a doubt for Newcastle, while it seems unlikely that Alexander Isak will feature.
Isak is back at the Newcastle training ground after missing the pre-season tour of Asia but is not expected to play.
Park Seung-soo, Aaron Ramsdale and Anthony Elanga could all make their home debuts.
Lewis Hall made his return against Spurs and could feature in at least one of the games. Howe will likely make significant changes over the course of the two days.
Former Blackburn forward Tyrhys Dolan could play for Espanyol after signing for the Spanish club earlier this summer.
Newcastle United vs Espanyol prediction
Newcastle could desperately do with a win in front of their home support, even if results are not always the most important thing in the world at this stage.
Still, such has been the difficulty of the summer thus far, Howe’s side would go some way into lifting at least some morale with a victory on Tyneside.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Espanyol
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The two teams have never played competitively.
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