Newcastle United are predicted to put out a very different starting XI for Friday night’s game against Espanyol.
It is Newcastle United’s penultimate pre-season friendly of the summer, as they prepare to take on the La Liga outfit at St James’ Park.
The game comes one day before the Magpies take on Atletico Madrid, which is likely to be when Eddie Howe will play the majority of his star players. Those that start one game are unlikely to feature in the other.
That could result in a strange team, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Espanyol.
Aaron Ramsdale handed Newcastle United debut
Newcastle have signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, and Friday feels likely to be the first chance Toon fans get to see him in action.
Nick Pope will be Newcastle’s number one at the start of the season, which makes him more likely to play against Atletico the following day.
But it is a good chance for Ramsdale to show supporters what he is capable of, and Geordie Boot Boys are predicting there will be a back five in front of him.
That is because of a lack of midfield options, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth tipped to start when Newcastle face Espanyol.
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One Newcastle United superstar starts against Espanyol
A lot of the bigger names will likely be held back for the Atletico game, but Howe will still want to put out a competitive side against Espanyol.
That could result in Sandro Tonali starting in midfield, potentially alongside Lewis Miley.
Newcastle’s midfield options are depleted due to Joe Willock’s injury, while a replacement for Sean Longstaff is yet to arrive during the transfer window.
Alexander Isak decision made ahead of final pre-season friendlies
The Alexander Isak situation is a real mess, and feels unlikely to be resolved by this weekend. Therefore, it would be a huge surprise if he featured in either friendly.
That could create an opening for Sean Neave, who has not started any of Newcastle United’s pre-season friendlies. The 18-year-old could be flanked by Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes, with Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon on standby for Saturday’s contest.
This highlights Howe’s need for a striker, with Newcastle looking at alternatives to Benjamin Sesko after missing out.
Predicted XI vs Espanyol: Ramsdale; Trippier, Krafth, Lascelles, A. Murphy, Targett; Miley, Tonali; J. Murphy, Neave, Barnes.
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