Newcastle return to England for the final part of their 2024/25 preparations when they face La Liga side Girona on Friday evening.
Eddie Howe's side are gearing up for the start of the Premier League season as they host Southampton at St James' Park on August 17.
Newcastle have recently returned from the Far East having enjoyed a successful tour of Japan. Howe's side ended their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Yokohama F. Marinos after a fine performance in front of goal as they beat Urawa Red Diamonds 4-1.
They now face a Girona side who emerged as La Liga's surprise package under Michel last season. The Catalan side achieved an impressive third-place finish to progress to the Champions League for the first time.
The Spaniards have enjoyed a busy pre-season so far and will take their new team to St James' Park on Friday.
Here it is 90 min previewing Newcastle's pre-season clash against Girona.
Newcastle vs Girona H2H Record
Newcastle and Girona have never faced each other in competitive games.
Current form (all competitions)
|
Newcastle |
Girona |
|---|---|
|
Yokohama F. Marinos 2-0 Newcastle – 03/08/24 |
Napoli 0-2 Girona – 03/08/24 |
|
Urawa Red Diamonds 1-4 Newcastle – 31/07/24 |
Girona 0-4 Toulouse – 31/07/24 |
|
Hull City 0-2 Newcastle – 27/07/24 |
Espanyol 0-0 Girona – 27/07/24 |
|
Tottenham 1-1 (4-5p) Newcastle – 22/05/24 |
Girona 3-3 Montpellier – 20/07/24 |
|
Brentford 2-4 Newcastle – 19/05/24 |
Olot 1-1 Girona – 17/07/24 |
|
The country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
NUFC TV (subscription required) |
|
United States |
NUFC TV (subscription required) |
|
Canada |
NUFC TV (subscription required) |
Newcastle suffered an injury nightmare last season and are without many long-term absentees.
Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman suffered severe anterior cruciate ligament injuries earlier this year, with neither player expected to return until 2025. Callum Wilson also suffered a few fitness problems in 2024 and the striker did not feature in Japan. Wilson continues to nurse a knock that could keep him out on Friday.
Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier will return to the fold having missed the tour due to international commitments in the summer.
Newcastle predicted schedule vs Girona (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Burn; Guimaraes, Willock, Longstaff; Murphy, Isaac, Barnes.
There should be plenty of familiar faces in action for the visitors on Friday. Girona have completed the signings of Bryan Gil and Donny van de Beek this summer and both players should be in action at St James' Park.
The club also secured the return of midfielder Oriol Romeu on loan and Barcelona's relegation could be seen this time around.
Ricardo Artero is dealing with a sprained ankle, while Justin Garcia and Viktor Tsygankov are doubtful with shoulder and thigh injuries.
Girona predicted to face Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Arnau, Frances, Juanpe, blind; Martin, Herrera; Porto, Van de Beek, Gil; Stuani.
The Toon Army will be keen to see the Magpies in action on home soil for the first time this summer in their close season opener.
Newcastle enjoyed a good trip to Japan, although Howe knows his side still have a lot to work on defensively following a tough 2023/24 campaign. There should be holes for this much-changed yet dynamic and fluid Girona squad to help.
Looking the other way, though, it's hard to imagine the Spaniards coping with the speed and quality of Newcastle's frontline. Expect goals from Tyneside who are hungry for victory.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Girona
READ THE LATEST NEWS, TRANSFER DETAILS AND RENTAL LAW
Source link
