Stadium decision ‘made’ as Newcastle United prepare for World Cup break

Eddie Howe’s side will take on the Saudi Pro League champions in Riyadh on December 8 while the Premier League is paused for the World Cup.

However, it's been reported that the fixture will not take place at the King Fahd International Stadium due to planned works at the 68,752-capacity venue.

Instead, it's claimed that the game will be played at the smaller Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, which seats 22,000 fans.

Third-placed Newcastle, 80%-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund following a takeover last year, visited Jeddah for a training camp and friendly against in Al-Ittihad January.

Asked about the club’s latest trip to the country, United head coach Eddie Howe said: “First and foremost, when you look back to last year, our decision to go there, and the benefit it had for the team and the results on our return, were really good.

"So we got a few positive connotations from that. Going back to our trip last year, the weather was very good, the facilities were first class.

"We were able to spend some quality time together to bond the group – and really focus our energies on our battle to stay in the division.

"The team spirit off the back of that trip was very, very good. Obviously, we have that positive experience to fall back on, and it's helped with our decision this time. We’re going to play one game there at this moment."