Newcastle United’s possible starting XI vs Benfica - six changes from Mainz defeat
Newcastle United take on Portuguese giants Benfica in the Eusebio Cup at the Estadio da Luz tonight (kick-off 8pm).
Eddie Howe’s side end their six-day training camp in Lisbon with arguably their biggest test of pre-season against Champions League opposition.
The Magpies played Championship outfit Burnley in an unorthodox training session on Saturday having already faced Gateshead, plus 1860 Munich and Mainz 05 in Austria.
United now face Benfica with some early pre-season silverware on the line before rounding off their preparations for the new Premier League campaign against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park.
Predicting starting XIs in pre-season is usually impossible but against Benfica - a high-profile opponent - you get the impression Howe will start with a strong side.
Here, NewcastleWorld has a go at predicting the starting line-up Howe will name - which includes six changes from the 1-0 defeat to Mainz.
1. GK: Nick Pope
The England goalkeeper is battling Martin Dubravka, who did not feature against Burnley on Saturday, for the No.1 jersey,
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
You can’t fault Emil Krafth of late but Trippier is almost certain to start the season ahead of the Swede.
3. CB: Dan Burn
Fabian Schar did not play a single minute against Burnley on Saturday after tweaking his hamstring in the defeat to Mainz 05. Photo: Stu Forster
4. CB: Sven Botman
A chance to see more of what Botman is made of against strong European competition.