The Newcastle United starting line-up with a twist that could face Benfica in pre-season friendly
Newcastle United are back in pre-season action against Benfica on Tuesday evening (8pm kick-off) - but how will Eddie Howe’s side line-up?
Newcastle have enjoyed a solid pre-season so far with comfortable wins against Gateshead and 1860 Munich followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mainz 05 in Austria. They also got the better of Championship side Burnley in a training match in Portugal over the weekend.
They now prepare for arguably their toughest pre-season test against last season’s Champions League quarter-finalists Benfica at Estadio da Luz.
Pre-season presents an ideal opportunity for Howe to experiment and mix the team up, making predicting the side’s starting line-up almost impossible.
But given the level of opposition and the Eusebio Cup being on the table, Howe will be looking to start with a strong side.
1. Nick Pope - 6
Called into action a few times early on but never looked uncomfortable until Benfica scored the opening goal from a corner kick. Should have been stronger to claim the cross into the box and will have been disappointed to be beaten by another set-piece shortly afterwards but did make a good save to deny Joao Mario.
2. Kieran Trippier - 8
Tested by Benfica’s overload down the right side but produced the goods at the other end with a clever low ball for Miguel Almiron to equalise. Was at it again to set the Paraguayan up to make it 2-2 at half-time. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
3. Jamaal Lascelles - 5
Jumped too late as Benfica took the lead from a corner kick. Photo: Ian MacNicol
4. Sven Botman - 7
Made a fine block to deny Rafa in the first half. Looks at home in black and white.