Newcastle v Espanyol
Newcastle

Newcastle vs Espanyol

, KO: 19:30 , St James' Park
Espanyol

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

Odds are not available for this game yet.

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.

Newcastle vs Espanyol Betting Tips & Predictions
Tips will be added when odds are available.
Boylesports
Further Reading
0 Comments

Leave a reply

CONTACT US

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Sending

Please play responsibly. For assistance with problem gambling please visit 18+ GambleAware

About MFT  | Journalist CharterSupport  |  Contact Us  | GambleAwarePrivacy Policy  | Terms of use | ©2025 North Star Network.

All betting odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Log in with your credentials

or    

Forgot your details?

Create Account