Newcastle United are back at St James’ Park this weekend, as they go in search of silverware.
The Sela Cup is set to take place on Tyneside, with Eddie Howe‘s side set to play on Saturday and Sunday.
The Toon boss will split his squad into two groups, just like he did for the recent Premier League Summer Series contests with Chelsea and Brighton.
First up for Newcastle is Fiorentina, who were beaten in the Europa Conference League final last season by West Ham.
It will be a good test for Howe’s side, and this is the Newcastle XI we predict he will pick against Fiorentina
Strong back four against Fiorentina
In an ideal world, Howe would pick the back four against Fiorentina that he intends to use for the season opener on August 12th. However, that might not be possible with Fabian Schar seemingly out of action.
That should present Jamaal Lascelles with a big opportunity. The 29-year-old is still Newcastle’s captain, and has played well during pre-season.
This could be a great chance for him to earn a start against Aston Villa, having only started two Premier League games last season – away to Liverpool and Manchester City.
We predict that Lascelles will start alongside Dan Burn, with Howe keeping Sven Botman for the Sunday game where he can operate as the right-sided centre-back.
Last chance for Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson is Newcastle’s star of pre-season, excelling out in America during the Premier League Summer Series.
He is fitter than ever, and looks ready to play a bigger role for Howe after being reduced to cameos last season.
His form has put him in contention to start against Aston Villa, and he should be able to guarantee his place in the starting XI on the opening day with a strong showing in the Magpies’ first Sela Cup fixture.
Callum Wilson is up first
Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak are going to do battle for the striker position once again this season, and it is the former who we believe will get the first chance to stake his claim this weekend.
Right now, most fans would probably pick Isak to start against Villa, but Wilson could change that perception with a goalscoring performance on Saturday. That would put Isak under real pressure to do well 24 hours later.
Predicted XI vs Fiorentina: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Burn, Targett; Tonali, Bruno, Anderson; Murphy, Wilson, Barnes.
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