Newcastle United are set for the Sela Weekender, as they complete their preparations for the 2024/25 Premier League season.
It is a double-header at St James’ Park this weekend, just like it has been for the past couple of seasons.
This year it is Girona and Stade Brestois competing on Tyneside – two teams that have qualified for this season’s Champions League.
It will be a good test for Newcastle United, while Eddie Howe will aim to split his squad across both games.
First up on Friday evening is Girona, and this the Newcastle United starting XI we predict Howe to pick.
Newcastle to start with settled back four
It will be challenging for Howe to split his squad across two games, as you imagine anyone who starts on Friday will not be involved on Saturday.
But we expect that Newcastle will start against Girona with the backline they intend to use on the opening day of the Premier League season when Southampton arrive on Tyneside.
That means Nick Pope starting in goal, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at centre-back. Lewis Hall has been massively impressive in pre-season and starts at left-back, while we have gone with Tino Livramento on the opposite flank.
That would mean no place in the side for Kieran Trippier, who would be saved for Saturday’s game. The £12million defender has only just returned to training, having been given an extended break after representing England at Euro 2024.
The 33-year-old is being linked with a move away, with Trippier seen as likely to leave Newcastle this summer.
Chance for Jamie Miley in midfield
As Howe juggles his squad, midfield presents the biggest problem. That is because Lewis Miley is still injured, while Sandro Tonali remains unavailable.
That may force Howe to turn to youth, with Jamie Miley getting a chance to start against Girona.
We predict he will be joined by Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock, two players who will be pushing to start when the Premier League kicks off the following week.
Anthony Gordon saved for Saturday
Trippier is not predicted to start on Friday, and neither is Anthony Gordon. The 23-year-old is also back in training after being at the Euros, but may have to wait until Saturday to play for the Magpies.
Instead, Newcastle’s front three is anticipated to consist of Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes against Girona.
Barnes has spoke about enjoying playing with Isak, and he could get the chance to do that again on Friday. He will hope to shine, as he bids to start the Premier League opener against Southampton.
Predicted XI vs Girona: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Miley, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
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