Newcastle United have announced a pre-season friendly with Premier League rivals Everton.
Scotland's home of rugby union prepares to host the pre-season friendly football match between Manchester United and Lyon at Murrayfield, in Edinburgh, on July 19, 2023. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Scotland's home of rugby union prepares to host the pre-season friendly football match between Manchester United and Lyon at Murrayfield, in Edinburgh, on July 19, 2023. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
And it comes against fellow Premier League opposition, as the Magpies travel to Edinburgh on Wednesday, August 12, to face Everton at Murrayfield Stadium in a 5:15pm kick-off.
The majority of Howe’s squad will report back for pre-season on Monday, July 13, while those players competing at the World Cup will return slightly later, depending on how far they progress in the tournament.
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Newcastle, as it stands, have eight players going to the World Cup: Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil), Dan Burn (England), Anthony Gordon (England) Tino Livramento (England), Malick Thiaw (Germany), Nick Woltemade (Germany), Anthony Elanga (Sweden) and Yoane Wissa (DR Congo).
The club’s full schedule has not been confirmed yet, though they are expected to play a local side shortly after returning for pre-season training. The Gazette understands Gateshead have been pencilled in to play United but an exact time or venue is yet to be agreed.
After that, Howe’s squad will head to La Manga in Spain for a 10-day training camp. It marks a change of the long trips to Singapore, South Korea, Japan and the United States the club have made over the past few summers.
Newcastle United & Everton announce friendly at Murrayfield
Shortly after returning from Spain, Newcastle make the journey north to Scotland to play Everton.
“An exciting test against Premier League opposition at a historic venue like Murrayfield Stadium will play an important part in our pre -season preparations,” said Howe.
“I’m sure our fans will bring a special atmosphere to Edinburgh for a fantastic summer away day, giving the players a massive lift as we build towards the new campaign.”
Everton announced the friendly at the same time as Newcastle, with manager David Moyes commenting: “Facing Newcastle United at Murrayfield gives us a valuable opportunity to test ourselves against Premier League opposition as part of our preparations for the new season.
“Pre-season is an important period for the players and staff, and a fixture like this, in one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, will help us continue building towards the start of the campaign.
“Everton has always had a strong connection with Scotland and we know how well our supporters travel, not just from Merseyside but from across the country.
“Edinburgh is a fantastic city and this fixture gives Evertonians the chance to come together, enjoy the occasion and get behind the team in what should be a really good day for everyone connected with the Club.”
Newcastle United consider St James’ Park double header
Ahead of the last four campaigns, Newcastle have hosted a St James’ Park double-header on the weekend before their Premier League opener, which sees Howe split his squad into two different XIs for two games in two days.
That remains an option following the Everton friendly as the Premier League season doesn’t get underway until August 22.
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