After ending their pre-season tour of Austria with a 1-0 defeat against Mainz 05, Newcastle jetted back to the North East before quickly heading out to Portugal for another training camp.
Saturday saw The Magpies get the better of two Burnley XIs in a behind closed doors practice session which involved two sets of XIs playing against each other at the same time on different pitches.
But tonight is sure to provide arguably Newcastle’s toughest test of pre-season so far with Champions League quarter-finalists Benfica the hosts and the Eusebio Cup on the line.
Eddie Howe has made seven changes to the side that were beaten 1-0 against Mainz with Martin Dubravka, Paul Dummett and Ryan Fraser all missing out.
17. Jonjo Shelvey - 8
On for S.Longstaff 46: Sprayed the ball around well and picked out a great pass for Murphy who couldn’t convert the chance. Hobbled off injured with 15 minutes to go after a very solid midfield display. Photo: Ian MacNicol
18. Joelinton - 5
On for Guimaraes 46: Another wholehearted pre-season display ended in a sending off following two yellow cards in quick succession. Photo: Stu Forster
19. Joe Willock - 6
On for Anderson 46: Found pockets of space between the midfield and attack well without posing much of a threat. | Getty Images
20. Jacob Murphy - 5
On for Almiron 46: Was originally meant to start the game before Almiron came into the side in his place to make a great impact. Had a good chance to give Newcastle the lead in the second half but was denied by the goalkeeper. | Getty Images