Newcastle United can win a trophy on Sunday, as they face Villarreal in the second game of the Sela Cup.
The Magpies are back at St James’ Park this weekend, as Eddie Howe‘s players go through their final preparations ahead of the Premier League’s return on August 12th.
Howe will split his Newcastle squad into two groups for the Sela Cup, with team two set to take on Quique Setien’s Villarreal side.
It will be another strong Newcastle team, and this is the XI we predict to start against Villarreal
Sven Botman on the wrong side of the Newcastle defence
Howe is going to have to use two left-footed centre-backs for at least one of the friendlies this weekend, and we expect that to happen on Sunday.
Sven Botman is the player who is best equipped to play on the right despite being left-footed, and he should be joined at the heart of the defence by Paul Dummett.
Newcastle’s defensive limitations could be exposed on Sunday, with Alex Murphy potentially being called upon to play at left-back. The 19-year-old did well in that role against Chelsea out in America, and would relish the opportunity to start at St James’ Park.
Sean Longstaff returns
It has been a frustrating pre-season for Sean Longstaff, but he is now back in training ahead of the Sela Cup.
That should lead to him starting against Villarreal, where he should be joined by rising star Lewis Miley. He is going to have a role in the Premier League this season, with Howe planning to use him off of the bench.
Our third midfielder will be Joelinton, who will be eager to prove why he has to start the Premier League opener against Aston Villa. It is a difficult decision for Howe, who has plenty of options to choose from.
Howe picks his strongest front three vs Villarreal
For the final pre-season game of the summer, we expect Howe to choose the front three that will start the first game of the season.
That means Miguel Almiron on the right, Anthony Gordon on the left and Alexander Isak through the middle.
Each of those players have done well in friendly action, and will hopefully get one last chance to work on their chemistry together before the 2023/24 Premier League campaign begins.
Predicted XI vs Villarreal: Dubravka; Manquillo, Botman, Dummett, Murphy; Longstaff, Miley, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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