Amid the chaos of Alexander Isak’s future, Newcastle United have got a friendly to play against Arsenal.
After Newcastle lost 4-0 to Celtic last weekend, Eddie Howe’s side have travelled to Asia for the next part of their pre-season preparations.
Alexander Isak is not in the Newcastle squad due to a thigh injury. That is the official line from the club, despite Isak wanting to leave Newcastle.
It will be a tough game for Newcastle United against a side like Arsenal in the humidity of Singapore, and this is the starting XI that Geordie Boot Boys predict Eddie Howe will go with.
Lack of pace in defence as Newcastle United face Arsenal
Newcastle United have Tino Livramento back after his extended lay-off, but it is unlikely that he will start against Arsenal. The same goes for Lewis Hall, who has travelled but is not expected to feature until the Magpies arrive in South Korea.
That means Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett will likely be at full-back, with Geordie Boot Boys predicting that Dan Burn will join Fabian Schar at centre-back. That leaves Sven Botman on the bench.
It is a back four with a lot of experience, but it certainly lacks pace, particularly at centre-back. That is something Newcastle must address, as they continue to target a new central defender.
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Joelinton missed Newcastle’s game against Celtic, with the Magpies eager to manage his minutes after a knee injury. That could be the case again on Sunday, with Joelinton tipped to start on the bench.
Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley should retain their places in the starting XI, while the hope is that they are joined by Sandro Tonali.
While pre-season matches are about fitness rather than results, Newcastle do need a lift after their drab Celtic display. That is why Tonali should come into the side, adding an injection of class to what was a stuttering Newcastle United midfield at Parkhead.
Backup options will include Joelinton and Joe Willock, as well as youngsters Travis Hernes, Anthony Munda and Alfie Harrison.
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Will Osula is the most senior striker on Newcastle United’s pre-season tour of Asia. That is somewhat concerning, but it does represent an opportunity for the 21-year-old.
He was lively against Celtic, and will continue to benefit from taking on better defenders. Osula should start against Arsenal, in what would be a show of faith from Eddie Howe in the wake of the Isak situation.
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Out wide, Anthony Elanga will hopefully start. Elanga has impressed Bruno in training, and that will hopefully translate to the pitch.
The Swede could be joined by Anthony Gordon in attack, who will be eager to build up momentum ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Predicted XI vs Arsenal: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Miley, Tonali, Bruno; Elanga, Osula, Gordon.
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