Yahoo Sports Newcastle vs Girona: Preview, predictions and lineups
Newcastle are back in England for the final part of their 2024/25 preparations when they take on La Liga outfit Girona on Friday evening.
Eddie Howe's side are readying themselves for the start of the Premier League season as they welcome Southampton to St James' Park on 17 August.
Newcastle have just returned from the Far East having enjoyed a successful tour of Japan. Howe's side concluded their venture with a 2-0 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos after producing an efficient performance in front of goal in a 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds.
They'll now pit themselves up against a Girona side that emerged as La Liga's surprise package under Michel last season. The Catalonian outfit secured a remarkable third-place finish to progress into the Champions League for the very first time.
The Spaniards have enjoyed a busy pre-season so far and will take their new-look team to St James' Park on Friday.
Here is 90min's preview of Newcastle's pre-season clash against Girona.
What time does Newcastle vs Girona kick-off?
Newcastle vs Girona H2H Record
Newcastle and Girona have never clashed in a competitive fixture.
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Newcastle vs Girona on TV and live stream
Newcastle team news
Newcastle endured a nightmare on the injury front last season and are still without several long-term absentees.
Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman sustained devastating anterior cruciate ligament injuries earlier this year, with neither player expected to return until 2025. Callum Wilson has also battled several fitness issues in 2024 and the striker didn't feature out in Japan. Wilson continues to nurse a knock which could keep him out of action on Friday.
Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier will return to the fold having missed the tour due to their international commitments over the summer.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Girona
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Girona (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Burn; Guimaraes, Willock, Longstaff; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
Girona team news
There should be several 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 have also secured the return of midfielder Oriol Romeu on loan and the Barcelona cast-off could make an appearance in this one.
Ricard Artero is dealing with a sprained ankle, while Jastin Garcia and Viktor Tsygankov are doubts due to respective shoulder and thigh injuries.
Girona predicted lineup vs Newcastle
Girona predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Arnau, Frances, Juanpe, Blind; Martin, Herrera; Portu, Van de Beek, Gil; Stuani.
Newcastle vs Girona score prediction
The Toon Army will be keen to see the Magpies in action on home soil for the first time this summer with their season opener just around the corner.
Newcastle enjoyed a pretty successful tour of Japan, although Howe knows his side still have plenty to work on defensively following a porous 2023/24 campaign. There should be holes for this much-changed but nonetheless dynamic and fluid Girona team to exploit.
Going the other way, though, it's hard to envisage the Spaniards coping with the speed and quality of Newcastle's frontline. Expect goals on Tyneside with the hosts claiming the victory.
