Eddie Howe will name a compleletely different starting XI for Newcastle United’s clash against Stade Brestois later this afternoon (kick-off 4pm).
The Magpies opened up the Sela weekender with a 4-0 victory over La Liga side Girona, with all goals coming the first-half. Sean Longstaff netted a brace while Jacob Murphy and the returning Anthony Gordon were on the scoresheet.
Nick Pope started in goal behind a back four of Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall. Jamie Miley, who made his first senior St James’ Park start, lined up alongside Joelinton and Longstaff in midfield with Alexander Isak, Gordon and Murphy as the front three.
But none of those players will be involved today, as confirmed by Howe: “Totally different XI, anyone that’s fit who didn’t play today will play tomorrow.”
And two players Howe expects to feature are Kieran Trippier, who like Gordon only reported back to Newcastle on Tuesday after being granted extra-time off after reaching the Euro 2024 final with England, and new signing Will Osula.
Osula became the club’s latest summer signing on Thursday from Sheffield United for a £15million deal including add-ons.
“Yes, we hope so,” Howe said on Osula. “He’s trained the last two days and trained very well. Very keen to make a positive impression and I think he has done that. I’m excited to see how he plays tomorrow.”
On Trippier, Howe added: “We hope he’ll play tomorrow. It’s important we try and get minutes into his legs.”
Here’s the Newcastle United starting XI Howe is expected to name against Brest this afternoon:
Kieran Trippier: His first minutes of pre-season after returning this week
Fabian Schar: Schar played against Yokohama F. Marinos in his only pre-season appearance so far.
Lloyd Kelly: Made his debut against Yokohama.
Jamal Lewis: His first St James’ Park appearance since December 2021.
Bruno Guimaraes: Played 45 minutes against Yokohama last week
Joe Willock: Looked lively in his 45 minutes against Urawa. Howe is keen to manage his minutes after a long-term Achilles injury.
Alfie Harrison: A first senior start for Alfie Harrison
Miguel Almiron: Almiron played in both games in Tokyo
Harvey Barnes: In a battle with Anthony Gordon to start at LW against Southampton
William Osula
