Newcastle United look set to welcome Bruno Guimaraes back as they prepare for their second and final pre-season game in Japan.
The Magpies take on Yokohama F Marinos on Saturday, with kick-off in Tokyo set for 11am BST.
This fixture comes after Newcastle United beat Urawa Red Diamonds 4-1 on Wednesday, with goals from Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy and Lewis Hall.
It was a decent display from Eddie Howe‘s team, although there was plenty of room for improvement. And that improvement will hopefully come on Saturday as Newcastle prepare to pull the curtain down on their trip to Japan.
Eddie Howe will likely put out another strong Toon team, and this is our predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Yokohama F Marino.
First Newcastle United appearance for Lloyd Kelly
Lloyd Kelly has not appeared in any of Newcastle’s pre-season friendlies so far, after arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth.
Howe has been acting with caution when it comes to Kelly, but he has trained out in Japan, and that will hopefully result in him starting on Saturday.
Given the fact he is left-footed, he will likely come in for Dan Burn, who played most of the 4-1 win over Urawa Reds.
There could even be two more changes, with Fabian Schar likely to start after missing the first game in Japan. Elsewhere, Lewis Hall may get a rest after playing the full 90 minutes on Wednesday. Hall played well against Urawa Reds, but could be replaced by Jamal Lewis.
Bruno Guimaraes starts in Japan
After not featuring against Urawa Reds, it seems all but certain that Bruno Guimaraes is going to start. It will be great to see him back in action in black and white following the expiration of his £100million release clause.
He could be joined by Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock, who both only played 45 minutes on Wednesday. Another similar outing could benefit them and their fitness, with the likes of Joelinton and Alfie Harrison available to feature in the second half.
Just like on Wednesday, there will be no Sandro Tonali due to the rules of his suspension.
One change in attack against Yokohama F Marinos
Newcastle have limited options in attack right now, which is why the same front three has started all of the Magpies’ pre-season games so far.
But that could change against Yokohama F Marinos, with Miguel Almiron available to start.
We anticipate he will come into the team in place of Jacob Murphy, who is on fire this summer. He has got four goals to his name, and looks on course to start the Premier League season in Newcastle United’s starting XI.
Hopefully Trevan Sanusi will get another chance to impress off the bench, as he looks like a major talent.
Predicted XI vs Yokohama: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Lewis; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.
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