Newcastle United have landed in Japan, and Eddie Howe has Bruno Guimaraes available to face Urawa Red Diamonds.
After beating Hull City 2-0 on Saturday, the Magpies have now travelled to the Far East to continue their pre-season preparations.
Newcastle United will play two games out in Japan, starting on Wednesday against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Eddie Howe will have a stronger squad available, with multiple players returning after receiving an extended break due to competing at Euro 2024 or the Copa America. However, the Toon boss still has some injury issues to contend with.
Regardless, it should still be a strong Toon team, and this is our predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Urawa Red Diamonds.
Fabian Schar starts, Tino Livramento rested
After reaching the quarter finals of Euro 2024, Fabian Schar is back with the Newcastle United squad.
He returned before the game against Hull City but did not feature. However, he should start against Urawa Red Diamonds. He is needed too, as Newcastle do not have many centre-back options available.
Emil Krafth has started the summer in the middle of defence, but should be able to move to right-back on Wednesday. That would see him take Tino Livramento’s place, with the £32million man getting a rest after playing just over an hour against Hull City.
Livramento had been suffering from an ankle injury, and Howe will be keen to be careful with the 21-year-old.
Bruno Guimaraes back for Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes is also back with Newcastle United, one month after his £100million release clause expired. He is still a Toon player, and will be desperate to get back up to speed in black and white after a disappointing Copa America.
The 26-year-old could be joined in midfield by fellow Brazilian Joelinton and Lewis Miley’s older brother Jamie. He did well against Hull, and could get another opportunity amid concerns over Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock’s fitness.
Sandro Tonali is unable to feature due to his ban, but is with the group in Japan.
No change in attack for first friendly in Japan
It feels likely that Howe will stick with the same front three that started against Hull. That means Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes in attack.
Murphy in particular was impressive at the weekend, at a time in which Newcastle are aiming to sign someone to play in his position.
Miguel Almiron is also back but may have to settle for a place on the bench, where he will be joined by teenage sensation Trevan Sanusi.
The 17-year-old is in Japan with the Newcastle United first-team, and will hope to feature. However, Garang Kuol will not play after not being selected for the trip.
Predicted XI vs Urawa Red Diamonds: Pope; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Hall; J. Miley, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
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