Newcastle continue their pre-season preparations with a home friendly against La Liga outfit Espanyol on Friday night at St James’ Park.
This is the first of a double-header against Spanish sides for Eddie Howe’s men who also host Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Getting back to Tyneside and playing some football on home soil may come as a welcome relief for Newcastle in what has been a difficult summer that has so far been defined by the Alexander Isak saga, as well as their inability to land transfer targets.
Results on the pitch haven’t been great either, with the Magpies hammered 4-0 by Celtic, while they were also beaten by Arsenal and a K-League XI on their recent tour of Asia. That did at least conclude with a more convincing showing and a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in Seoul, with Harvey Barnes on target.
Espanyol, by contrast, have been going pretty well in pre-season. They’ve won their last three friendlies against Southampton, Wolfsburg and Union Berlin, with their new signings bedding in nicely.
The Catalan club have been busy in the transfer market, and while they lost keeper Joan Garcia to bitter rivals Barcelona, the additions of Kike Garcia, Marko Dmitrovic, Ramon Terrats and Roberto Fernandez suggest they have recruited pretty well.
How the bookies view it: Magpies backed to triumph
Newcastle are the favourites for this game, available at a best-priced 8/13 to win it, while Espanyol are on offer at 9/2 to cause an upset on Tyneside. The value could lie with the draw though given the issues the hosts are currently dealing with. You can back the game to finish all square at 29/10 with BetVictor.
Recent head-to-head: Clubs set for first meeting
These clubs have not previously met, with neither regulars on the European stage in recent years. Newcastle may find themselves faced with Spanish opposition in the Champions League this term, but they’ve not taken on a team from La Liga in a competitive setting since beating Celta Vigo in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup.
Players to watch: Gordon to operate through the middle?
With Isak not expected to be involved despite his return to training, Newcastle are currently short on striker options, and we could see Anthony Gordon used through the middle again, as was the case against Spurs. The 24-year-old registered six goals and five assists in the Premier League last season.
Predicted Lineups
With another game on Saturday against stronger opposition, Howe may name some fringe players in this lineup. Joe Willock is an injury absentee, while Sven Botman is rated doubtful.
Midfielder Javier Hernandez is the only current injury concern for Espanyol who should name a strong lineup.
Newcastle: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Miley, Joelinton, Tonali, Murphy, Gordon, Elanga.
Espanyol: Dmitrovic, Romero, Cabrera, Calero, El Hilali, Carreras, Lozano, Exposito, Terrats, Puado, R. Fernandez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given their lack of available strikers, Newcastle may find it tough to break through against an organised Espanyol side that has only conceded twice in five pre-season games so far.
That suggests that backing Under 2.5 total goals at 11/10 with Betfred could be worth considering, while you can back Espanyol to win (+1 asian handicap) at 4/5 with Bet365.
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