It is Newcastle United vs Al-Hilal on Thursday evening, as Eddie Howe’s side finally return to action.
The Magpies have not played since November 12th, when they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the Premier League. Since then, domestic football has been put on hold due to the World Cup.
But with the tournament in Qatar nearing its end, clubs are preparing to play domestic football once again.
Howe and his team are currently enjoying a warm weather training camp in Riyadh, and are set for friendly action.
They are going to face Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal, and this is our predicted Toon starting lineup
Karl Darlow starts in goal vs Al-Hilal
With Nick Pope still on international duty with England, Howe will have to pick a fresh face in between the sticks. He has three choices, with Karl Darlow, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie all in Saudi Arabia right now.
We predict that Darlow will get the nod. The 32-year-old has not started a game since the League Cup win over Tranmere in August, so this will be a good test for the former Nottingham Forest stopper.
He will have his captain in front of him, with Jamaal Lascelles certain to start at centre-back. And he should be joined by Sven Botman.
With Fabian Schar only just suffering a World Cup exit and Dan Burn arriving late due to illness, Botman is the only real candidate to play alongside Lascelles.
Howe does have youngster Alex Murphy in reserve, and he will be hoping for some first team minutes off the bench.
Chance for Jonjo Shelvey to stake his claim
Jonjo Shelvey has endured a frustrating season so far, but he is now back from injury.
The midfielder started the cup triumph over Crystal Palace, and this game against Al-Hilal will be a chance for him to get more minutes in the tank.
Newcastle’s midfield has functioned brilliantly this season. Therefore, Shelvey must perform well in Riyadh to prove that he should once again be a starter for Howe.
We expect the number eight to be joined in midfield by Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
Chris Wood leads the line in Newcastle’s starting lineup
With Callum Wilson at the World Cup and Alexander Isak still rehabbing his injury, the only candidate to play up front for Newcastle is Chris Wood.
These friendlies will be important for him, as he looks to build up confidence. The New Zealander will surely start when Newcastle take on Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on December 21st.
We anticipate that Wood will be joined in attack by Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, who is being tipped to start by the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder.
Expect to see the usual flicks and tricks from Saint-Maximin, and hopefully a goal or an assist as he looks to get back to his best.
Predicted XI to face Al Hilal: Darlow; Manquillo, Lascelles, Botman, Targett; Longstaff, Shelvey, Joelinton; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
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