After 54 days, Newcastle United fans finally get to see their beloved team in action again.
Eddie Howe’s side are gearing up for the new Premier League campaign and after last weekend’s 4-0 win over Carlisle United behind closed doors, they now play in their first public friendly of the summer.
This afternoon (kick-off 3pm), the Magpies will be backed by 10,000 Geordies as they take on Scottish Premiership champions Celtic at Parkhead.
Now we’d usually do a predicted starting XI but in all honesty, in pre-season, it’s all a bit pointless. So, what we’ve decided to do instead is to name the strongest XI we think Howe can go with.
While the return of the international players this week has significantly bolstered the group, it still isn’t quite up to full strength.
Howe is light on numbers at full-back with Tino Livramento enjoying an extended break after winning the under-21s European Championship with England, while Lewis Hall is still at least a couple of weeks away from returning as he recovers from foot surgery.
In midfield, Sean Longstaff has left the club this week with his £15million switch to Leeds United set to be confirmed.
The only area that has every player fit and available is in attack, with Anthony Elanga eyeing his debut after joining from Nottingham Forest for £55m last Friday.
5. LB: Dan Burn
Left-back isn't Burn's preferred position with Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, it's either him or Matt Targett. | Getty Images
6. CM: Sandro Tonali
There will hopefully be more of the same from the Italian after he helped transform the team last season. | Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Starts his second season as Newcastle United captain. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joelinton
The Brazilian missed the final month of last season due to a knee issue but is back to full health now. | Getty Images