Soccer Prediction For 8th Thursday, Newcastle VS Espanyol
St. James’ Park Showdown: Newcastle Primed for Home Victory Against Espanyol
A professional look ahead to the pre-season friendly clash on Friday, August 8th, 2025.
Match: Newcastle United vs RCD Espanyol
Competition: Pre-Season Friendly
Venue: St. James’ Park
Kick-off: 7:30 pm EST
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Espanyol |
Match Preview
Newcastle United are set to play their first pre-season fixture on home turf as they welcome La Liga side RCD Espanyol to St. James’ Park. This clash marks a crucial point in the Magpies’ preparations for a demanding season that includes both domestic challenges and a return to the UEFA Champions League. For Eddie Howe’s squad, this match presents a vital opportunity to build momentum and refine their tactical execution in front of a home crowd before the Premier League season begins against Aston Villa.
Espanyol, managed by Manolo González, arrive on Tyneside as the final test in their pre-season schedule. The Barcelona-based club, which finished 14th in La Liga last season, will provide a stern challenge, having enjoyed a strong run of form in their summer friendlies, including victories over German sides Wolfsburg and Union Berlin.
Prediction: 1
Analysis
Newcastle United
The Magpies have endured a demanding pre-season with a tour of Asia that included fixtures against the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham. Despite mixed results in the off-season, including several draws and losses, Eddie Howe will be looking for his side to assert its dominance back at St. James’ Park. Newcastle has a strong recent record in home friendlies against Spanish opposition, having defeated Athletic Bilbao, Rayo Vallecano, Girona, and Villarreal in recent years.
The major talking point surrounding the hosts is the uncertain future of star striker Alexander Isak, who has been training separately amid transfer speculation. His potential absence could offer opportunities for others to impress, with players like Anthony Gordon potentially taking on a more central role. The club has been active in the transfer market, adding Anthony Elanga and looking to strengthen their defence, signalling their intent for the upcoming campaign. This match, followed by the Sela Cup clash with Atlético Madrid, is a critical final rehearsal before the competitive action begins.
RCD Espanyol
Espanyol will be no pushovers. They arrive in good form, having won five of their last six games and conceded very few goals in the process. Their successful trip to Germany demonstrates they are a well-organized unit under Manolo González. Celebrating their 125th anniversary, the Spanish side will be keen to make a statement against high-calibre Premier League opposition.
They have also strengthened their squad, with winger Tyrhys Dolan joining on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers and making his debut recently. Prolific forward Javi Puado, who netted four times this pre-season, will be their main attacking threat. Having already beaten English opposition in the form of Southampton this summer, they will not be intimidated by the occasion.
Head-to-Head
This will be a rare meeting between the two clubs. Their last encounter in the 21st century was also a pre-season friendly back in August 2000, which Espanyol won 2-1.
Prediction
Straightforward Prediction: Newcastle United to Win.
Despite Espanyol’s impressive pre-season form, the step-up in quality against a top-tier Premier League side at a packed St. James’ Park should prove decisive. Newcastle’s need to put on a show for their home fans and fine-tune their preparations for a monumental season will provide strong motivation. While their summer results have been inconsistent, the intensity and quality Eddie Howe demands, combined with the home advantage, should see the Magpies secure the victory. Expect a determined performance from the hosts as they look to build confidence heading into the new season.