Newcastle United will host Espanyol in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as they look to get back to winning ways before the start of the new season. The Magpies have struggled for form in their recent friendly matches, a stark contrast to their successful previous season where they won the FA Cup and secured a Champions League spot.
Eddie Howe’s side has found it difficult to score goals in their last five games, netting only three times. The recent signing of Anthony Elanga is yet to make a significant impact, and the team’s attack has been further weakened by the injury to their star striker, Alexander Isak. Newcastle will be keen to put on a good show for their home fans at St. James’ Park and build some momentum ahead of the new campaign.
In contrast, Espanyol comes into this match in excellent form. The La Liga side, who finished 14th in the league last season, has won four and drawn one of their last five friendly matches. Their defense has been particularly impressive, keeping three clean sheets in those games. Espanyol will be full of confidence after their recent victory over another English club, Southampton, and will be looking to cause an upset against a struggling Newcastle side.
Given Newcastle’s recent struggles and Espanyol’s impressive form, we predict a tight contest. While Newcastle possesses greater overall quality, their current form and key injuries make them vulnerable. We are predicting a 1-1 draw.
Newcastle will be without defender Sven Botman and striker Alexander Isak due to injury. Espanyol, on the other hand, is expected to have a full squad to choose from.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Elanga
Espanyol Predicted Lineup:
Lecomte; Gil, Cabrera, Calero, Olivan; Exposito, Darder, Melamed; Puado, Joselu, Braithwaite
The match will kick off at 1:00 AM on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
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