In the first of two St James’ Park matches this weekend, a Newcastle line-up captained by Bruno Guimaraes were held to a 2-2 draw by Espanyol on Friday night.
Aaron Ramsdale was given his debut and marked it with a penalty save to keep the score at 1-1. He was breached in the 17th minute via a brilliant Edu Exposito before Matt Targett quickly levelled.
Jacob Murphy gave Newcastle the lead in the 77th minute and the result looked to be going in the home side’s favour until substitute Kiko Garcia equalised right at the death.
Howe’s side are yet to record a victory in pre-season but hope to change that in their final pre-season game against Atletico.
Based on the players that missed the Espanyol game, we’ve tried to piece together how Newcastle will line-up this afternoon. Here’s our predicted starting XI:
Pope will start the campaign as No.1 but faces stiff competition from Aaron Ramsdale.
1. GK: Nick Pope
Pope will start the campaign as No.1 but faces stiff competition from Aaron Ramsdale. | Getty Images
The former England international has looked sharp in pre-season.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
The former England international has looked sharp in pre-season. | Getty Images
Lascelles will be delighted to get a full pre-season under his belt having only recently recovered from an ACL injury.
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles will be delighted to get a full pre-season under his belt having only recently recovered from an ACL injury. | AFP via Getty Images
Botman missed the two games in South Korea due to a thigh issue but Howe has told NewcastleWorld that the Dutchman is fit.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman missed the two games in South Korea due to a thigh issue but Howe has told NewcastleWorld that the Dutchman is fit. | Getty Images