Newcastle continue their pre-season preparations against Espanyol on Friday night, searching for just their second friendly win ahead of the new 2025/26 campaign.
The Magpies drew 1-1 against fellow Premier League side Tottenham on their pre-season tour of Asia last time out.
Espanyol have had a better pre-season, winning all four of their friendlies so far. It will no doubt be interesting to see how the La Liga side do against arguably better opposition though, as this promises to be an entertaining affair.
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Newcastle vs Espanyol prediction: Magpies frustrated once more?
Key stats
- Newcastle have won just once in seven games in total in all competitions.
- Espanyol have won five of their last six matches in total across all competitions.
- Espanyol have also conceded just twice in pre-season so far.
Correct score prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Espanyol
Given that Espanyol are in much better form heading into this clash, we fancy them to frustrate Newcastle and earn a draw. It could be a low-scoring affair, given recent results for both teams.
Pre-game odds and win probability: No odds currently available at time of writing
- HOME: N/A
- DRAW: N/A
- AWAY: N/A
*odds currently not available at the time of writing
In the meantime, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting between the two sides
This will be the first meeting between both Newcastle and Espanyol on Friday night. The Spaniards have played English opposition in pre-season already though, beating Championship side Southampton 2-1.
Newcastle preview: Still no Isak?
Alexander Isak returned to Newcastle's training ground amid speculation over his future at St. James' Park. The Sweden international striker was subject to an £110 million plus add-ons bid from reigning Premier League champions Liverpool earlier in the summer transfer window.
However, Isak is highly unlikely to play any part in this fixture, as he is also thought to be nursing a slight injury. Joe Willock also remains on the treatment table after picking up a nasty injury in pre-season, while Sven Botman is also a slight doubt.
New signing Aaron Ramsdale may have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench. However, the Southampton loanee could be ready to come on in the second half.
Predicted lineup: Pope (GK); Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tonali; Murphy, Gordon & Barnes
England Premier League 11/05/25
W
Chelsea
0
Newcastle
2
England Premier League 04/05/25
D
Brighton
1
Newcastle
1
England Premier League 26/04/25
W
Ipswich
0
Newcastle
3
England Premier League 19/04/25
L
Aston Villa
4
Newcastle
1
England Premier League 16/04/25
W
Crystal Palace
0
Newcastle
5
Espanyol preview: New signings set for starts
Espanyol are set to start Tyrhys Dolan, who made the switch to Spain from Blackburn in the summer transfer window. Roberto Fernandez should also be named in the starting XI after making his loan deal from Braga permanent.
The La Liga side have no fresh injury concerns to report.
Predicted lineup: Fortuno (GK); El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Terrats, Edu; Dolan, Hernandez, Puado & Fernandez
Spain La Liga 11/05/25
L
Leganes
3
Espanyol
2
Spain La Liga 04/05/25
L
Real Betis
2
Espanyol
1
Spain La Liga 27/04/25
L
Villarreal
1
Espanyol
0
Spain La Liga 22/04/25
D
Valencia
1
Espanyol
1
Spain La Liga 18/04/25
W
Getafe
0
Espanyol
1
Player to watch: Anthony Gordon
In the continued absence of Isak, Anthony Gordon could start up front as a makeshift striker for Newcastle against Espanyol. The more traditional winger scored a total of nine goals and made a further seven assists in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, and will be hoping to improve on his numbers come this season.