Chris Wood’s first-half penalty was enough to secure the victory on Friday night as Elliot Anderson and Ryan Fraser impressed for Eddie Howe’s side.
With back-to-back friendlies less than 24 hours apart, Howe has named a fully rotated side for the visit of Ernesto Valverde’s side, giving an opportunity for new signing Sven Botman to impress in-front of a home crowd for the first time since joining the club from Lille.
In his programme notes ahead of the clash, Howe said: “Whilst the results of these games are perhaps secondary to what we can learn and achieve from a fitness point of view, winning is always a good habit and back in front of our fans this weekend, we will deliver just that.”
Here is the Newcastle United starting XI that will take to the field to face Athletic Bilbao at St James’s Park:
In his programme notes ahead of the clash, Howe said: “Whilst the results of these games are perhaps secondary to what we can learn and achieve from a fitness point of view, winning is always a good habit and back in front of our fans this weekend, we will deliver just that.”
5. LB: Paul Dummett
Newcastle's longest-serving player has been given the nod to start by boss Eddie Howe. Photo: Stu Forster
6. CM: Joe Willock
Willock has scored some lovely goals during pre-season and will want to nail down a starting spot for the clash with Nottingham Forest next weekend. Photo: Gualter Fatia
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian has been superb since signing for Newcastle in January and there's no doubt that fans will be excited to see him in action once again today. Photo: Gualter Fatia
8. CM: Joelinton
Joelinton was suspended for the clash with Atalanta after being sent off against Benfica. Photo: Gualter Fatia