Newcastle United face Rayo Vallecano in a friendly on Saturday afternoon, in the Magpies’ final fixture before domestic football resumes.
Eddie Howe’s side beat Al Hilal 5-0 during their trip to Saudi Arabia, and now return to home soil for a game against a strong La Liga side.
The Madrid based side have started their season well, and are currently eighth in the top flight of Spanish football.
This will be a good test for Newcastle, and this is our predicted Toon starting lineup to face Rayo Vallecano
Loris Karius starts in goal for Newcastle
Nick Pope will not be available for Newcastle’s friendly against Vallecano on Saturday, meaning Howe will need to turn to one of his reserve goalkeepers. And we expect Loris Karius to get the nod.
The 29-year-old stopper impressed against Al Hilal, and could be closing in on his first competitive start for the Magpies.
Karl Darlow should be available again after missing the friendly in Riyadh, but Karius should be rewarded for his fine performance out in the Middle East.
This would be his first Newcastle appearance at St James’ Park, and a strong showing could see him make his proper debut next week against Bournemouth in the cup.
Matt Targett returns to the starting lineup
Matt Targett missed the friendly win in Saudi Arabia due to illness, but is now back in training. And the £15million man should be given the opportunity to get some minutes into his legs ahead of competitive football returning.
Jamal Lewis is also a contender to start, but may have to settle for a cameo in the second half.
Elsewhere in defence, Javi Manquillo will be on the right. Kieran Trippier won’t play, meaning the Spaniard is Howe’s only option to start at right-back.
Centre-back will likely be Jamaal Lascelles, who will probably play alongside Dan Burn.
Chris Wood fit to start vs Rayo Vallecano
Newcastle suffered an injury scare in Saudi Arabia, with Chris Wood limping out of the friendly with a back problem.
But he has been spotting in training ahead of this Saturday’s friendly, and should lead the line for Howe.
He will hopefully be joined by Allan Saint-Maximin in attack, who is continuing to build his match fitness up after a long period of time out injured.
Predicted XI to face Rayo Vallecano: Karius; Manquillo, Lascelles, Burn, Targett; Longstaff, Shelvey, Anderson; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
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