The friendly match between Newcastle United F.C. and Girona FC in August 2024 was a key part of both teams’ preseason preparation. This fixture at St James’ Park marked an opportunity for both clubs to finalize their strategies and strengthen their squads ahead of their respective domestic campaigns. Below is a detailed look at both teams’ lineups and what fans were expecting from the encounter.

Newcastle United’s Lineup and Key Players

Under the management of Eddie Howe, Newcastle entered this match with a highly competitive squad, aiming to make an impact in the Premier League after their impressive form in recent seasons. Despite dealing with several injuries, Newcastle United fielded a strong side.

The Magpies’ formation was a traditional 4-3-3, with Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka in goal. The back four featured the experienced Kieran Trippier at right-back and Dan Burn at left-back, flanked by Fabian Schar and Sven Botman (although Botman was out with a long-term injury). The midfield included Bruno Guimarães, Sean Longstaff, and Joe Willock, offering a combination of creativity and work rate. In attack, Alexander Isak played as the central striker, supported by Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy on the wings​.

Key Players:

Alexander Isak: A vital part of Newcastle’s attack, Isak’s pace and finishing ability were expected to be key against Girona.

Bruno Guimarães: Known for his passing and vision, Guimarães played a pivotal role in dictating play in the midfield​.

Girona FC’s Lineup and Key Players

On the other hand, Girona FC, managed by Míchel, approached the match with a blend of seasoned players and new signings, including Bryan Gil from Tottenham Hotspur and Donny van de Beek from Manchester United. Girona’s formation was a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 depending on the flow of the game, featuring Gazzaniga in goal. The defensive line included David López and Valentín Castellanos, with Yan Couto and Óscar Ureña providing width from the full-back positions. In midfield, Aleix García and Toni Villa were central to Girona’s ball progression and creativity​.

Key Players:

Bryan Gil: A winger with a flair for creating goal-scoring opportunities, Gil was expected to cause problems down the flank.

Valentín Castellanos: Known for his work rate and finishing ability, Castellanos was a danger in the box​.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

In their preseason encounter at St James’ Park, Newcastle dominated much of the game, winning 4-0. Early on, Longstaff scored the first goal, followed by Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon, with Gordon’s goal coming within a matter of minutes after Murphy’s​. Girona struggled to contain the intensity and pressure from Newcastle, especially with their defense being tested early on.

Tactical Overview

Both teams displayed contrasting styles of play. Newcastle United, under Howe, emphasized a high-pressing, fast-paced attacking game. They controlled possession, with Guimarães dictating the tempo from midfield and Isak creating chances up front. On the other hand, Girona attempted to sit deep and absorb pressure, looking for counter-attacks, but they were unable to break through Newcastle’s organized defense​.

Injuries and Absences

Newcastle’s injury concerns were evident as they were without key players like Sven Botman, who is recovering from an ACL injury. Additionally, Callum Wilson was also absent due to fitness issues​. However, their depth in squad rotation helped them maintain a strong presence, especially with the return of international players like Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon.

Girona’s main concerns revolved around adapting to their new signings, with Bryan Gil and Donny van de Beek integrating into the squad. While these players brought significant talent, their synchronization with the existing squad still required time​.

Fan Expectations and Pre-Match Analysis

The match was significant for both teams, as Newcastle United were gearing up for another Premier League campaign, aiming to challenge for European spots. Meanwhile, Girona FC were preparing for their historic entry into the Champions League, after a remarkable third-place finish in La Liga the previous season. Fans were eager to see how both sides would line up and adapt to the challenges posed by the match​.

FAQs

What are the expected lineups for Newcastle United vs Girona FC?

The lineups for this friendly match are still to be confirmed, but recent trends suggest that Newcastle might start with some of their key players, including Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Girona FC is likely to field a similar strong squad to that of their previous pre-season matches​.

What formations will both teams likely use?

Newcastle United typically plays in a 4-3-3 formation, with their defensive setup strengthened by players like Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman. Girona FC, on the other hand, might opt for a 4-4-2 or a more fluid 4-3-3 depending on their tactical setup​.

Will this match have any special significance?

While this is a pre-season friendly, it gives both teams a chance to test out tactics and squad depth before their official season games begin. It will also offer valuable insights into how both teams are shaping up.

In Summary

The preseason friendly between Newcastle United and Girona FC showcased the evolving strategies of two ambitious sides. While Newcastle United emerged victorious with a commanding 4-0 win, Girona will look to build on the experience as they head into their own competitive season. Both teams displayed tactical maturity, but Newcastle’s sharper attacking play and solid defense were the deciding factors in this encounter.

As we move further into the 2024/25 season, both teams will continue to refine their squads, with hopes of achieving their respective goals in their leagues and beyond​.

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