Huddersfield vs. Newcastle: How the Magpies Will Line-Up in Pre-Season Friendly
After a mixed set of results in Germany over the weekend, Newcastle United return to home soil on Tuesday with a trip to West Yorkshire to face Huddersfield Town.
Saturday’s worrying defeat to Malaga was followed by a convincing and controlled 3-1 win over Champions League side Schalke the very next day.
And further good news welcomed Magpies fans on Monday with the news that promising Nottingham Forest duo Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow are set to join the club, as reported by the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.
With the new Premier League campaign less then a fortnight away, Bleacher Report looks at how the Toon could line up on Tuesday in their penultimate pre-season friendly of the summer.
Goalkeeper: Tim Krul
After an extended rest following the World Cup finals in Brazil, Tim Krul was back between the posts for Newcastle United at the weekend, and should start against Huddersfield Town.
The Dutchman played 45-minutes versus Schalke on Sunday before being replaced by Rob Elliot at the break, and will get the chance to up his fitness ahead of the new season.
The undisputed No. 1 at St. James’ Park will be a key component for the Magpies this term, and will certainly play some—if not all—of the tie at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Full-Backs: Daryl Janmaat and Massadio Haidara
It’s been a long time coming, but Magpies fans are finally set to catch a glimpse of right-back Daryl Janmaat in a Newcastle United shirt on Tuesday.
The Netherlands international, much like Tim Krul, was granted an extended holiday after helping his country to the semi-finals of the World Cup, but is set to figure for his new club this week.
A summer arrival from Feyenoord, the defender will need time to adjust to the English game, however his performances in South America bode well for the 25-year-old.
On the left, Massadio Haidara looks like he’s done enough to secure a place in Alan Pardew’s starting XI for the new campaign, and will continue his run in the side in West Yorkshire.
Centre-Backs: Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini
Not for the first time in his career, Mike Williamson had a calming effect on Newcastle United’s back four when he was introduced during the Schalke 04 Cup over the weekend.
His appearance in Gelsenkirchen coincided with the Toon’s most solid performance of pre-season, and his aerial dominance helped to frustrate Schalke for long periods.
Such a positive impact should see the 30-year-old start at Huddersfield Town ahead of Steven Taylor, with captain Fabricio Coloccini also expected to occupy his usual place at centre-back.
Central Midfielders: Moussa Sissoko and Cheick Tiote
It’s not unfair to suggest that Moussa Sissoko looked a long way from his best during Saturday’s defeat to Malaga, but the Frenchman was certainly not alone.
The French midfielder hadn’t figured for the Magpies this summer until the German tournament, and will be given a chance to improve his match fitness against Huddersfield Town.
If Cheick Tiote’s fully recovered from the slight knock that saw him miss the Schalke 04 Cup, the defensive midfielder could also figure for Alan Pardew’s side this week.
Attacking Midfielder: Remy Cabella
Fresh from scoring the first goal of his Newcastle United career against Schalke on Sunday, French playmaker Remy Cabella could be given his chance in a central role on Tuesday.
Despite being short of match fitness, the 24-year-old showed some promising touches against the German side and can be utilised out wide as well as through the middle.
The big-money signing from Montpellier has all the attributes to become a crowd favourite at St. James’ Park, and with Siem De Jong missing with a slight toe injury, he could get the nod at Huddersfield.
Wide Forwards: Gabriel Obertan and Yoan Gouffran
Along with fellow winger Rolando Aarons, Gabriel Obertan has been one of the surprise packages at Newcastle United this summer, and looks to have earned himself a second chance under Alan Pardew.
After making just a handful of appearances last term, the Frenchman was expected to leave the north-east, but his direct style and pace have caught the eye so far in pre-season.
On the left-hand side, Yoan Gouffran will hoping to make a much bigger impact than he did in Germany, where a central role against Schalke rendered him largely anonymous.
Centre-Forward: Facundo Ferreyra
Just hours after confirming his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday, Facundo Ferreyra was thrown in at the deep end, making his Newcastle United debut from the bench against Schalke.
And in an effort to fully gauge his match-sharpness ahead of the new campaign, Alan Pardew will hand the Argentinian striker a starting place for the trip to Huddersfield Town.
The 23-year-old, known affectionately as Chucky, is on a season-long loan at St. James’ Park, and the Magpies have the option to make the deal permanent next summer.