Newcastle United predicted starting XI v Al-Hilal as Alexander Isak & others miss out
Newcastle United face Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal tonight (kick-off 5pm GMT) as their mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia draws to a close.
Eddie Howe’s side flew to Riyadh on Sunday as part of their preparations for the season restart in a fortnight’s time.
The squad has trained at Al-Hilal’s training centre and now face an intriguing test against the Middle East’s most decorated football club.
Newcastle, as already confirmed, will be without club-record signing Alexander Isak this evening as he continues his recovery from a thigh issue.
Paul Dummett is out with a back problem, while the game could come too soon for Matt Ritchie, who is only just returning from a calf injury.
Emil Krafth, of course, is out for the season, if not least the majority of it.
With Howe expected to use the friendly as a way of getting minutes into many player’s legs as possible, NewcastleWorld has gone with the best starting XI Howe could name, rather than predicted.
Agree or disagree with our selection? Let us know by tweeting @newcastleworld:
1. GK: Karl Darlow
United’s No.2 so naturally steps up in Nick Pope’s absence.
2. RB: Javier Manquillo
Newcastle’s only fit right-back behind Kieran Trippier. Will benefit for the mid-season camp after missing pre-season, and starting just once so far.
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles has trained the full week, whereas Dan Burn has missed a couple of sessions due to his delayed arrival.
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman has adapted quickly to life at Newcastle following his summer move for Lille, with supporters already tagging him as a ‘Rolls Royce’ defender.