Newcastle vs. Real Sociedad: How Magpies Will Line Up in Pre-Season Friendly
Newcastle United wrap up their pre-season programme on Sunday, with Real Sociedad providing the opposition at St. James’ Park.
The Basque Country outfit finished seventh in La Liga last season and advanced to the Europa League play-off round at the expense of Aberdeen on Thursday.
In their final game before the Premier League season begins next weekend, Magpies fans will be given the chance to see a host of new signings for the very first time.
So, as the finishing touches are applied ahead of the Toon’s opener versus Manchester City, Bleacher Report looks at how Alan Pardew’s men could line up against Erreala.
Goalkeeper: Tim Krul
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Fresh from his first 90-minute stint of Newcastle’s pre-season at Huddersfield Town, Tim Krul is in line to keep his place between the posts when Real Sociedad visit St. James’ Park.
The 26-year-old's status has obviously soared since his shootout heroics for the Netherlands at the World Cup, and he’ll be looking to make a similar impact in the Magpies’ high-profile opener against Manchester City.
Expect the Dutchman to feature for the full 90 minutes on Sunday as boss Alan Pardew looks to settle on his first-choice starting XI.
Full-Backs: Daryl Janmaat and Massadio Haidara
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Following his Magpies debut in the midweek draw at Huddersfield Town, Daryl Janmaat will get his first taste of the St. James’ Park atmosphere since his switch from Feyenoord.
The Dutch international will be Alan Pardew’s first-choice right-back this season, and a strong performance against Real Sociedad is essential if he’s to make an instant impact on the fans.
On the left-hand side, Massadio Haidara will continue in the absence of Davide Santon, with the Frenchman seemingly ahead of fellow defender Paul Dummett in the pecking order.
Centre-Backs: Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini
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After a lacklustre performance at Huddersfield, Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini will be looking to up his game when Real Sociedad come to town on Sunday.
The Argentine’s form was questioned in the local press this week, with the Evening Chronicle’s Lee Ryder insisting his place in the team is no longer guaranteed.
And if the 32-year-old is to find an immediate response to these criticisms, a solid performance against Jagoba Arrasate’s side would be the ideal place to begin.
Despite a slow start to the summer, centre-half Mike Williamson should be named alongside the skipper after finding his feet in the last few friendlies.
Central Midfielders: Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback
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With Newcastle United set to start the new campaign without Cheick Tiote, as reported by the Shields Gazette’s Miles Starforth, the door is open for Moussa Sissoko to stake his claim in central midfield.
Tiote is understood to be suffering from a hamstring injury, and while Sissoko was used predominantly on the right by Alan Pardew last term, the vacancy in the middle of the park could see him switched infield.
Alongside him, Jack Colback will make his home debut following his switch from Sunderland. The 24-year-old has featured in all but one of the Magpies’ pre-season games and should start against Real Sociedad.
Wingers: Remy Cabella and Yoan Gouffran
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Should Siem de Jong fail to recover from a toe injury picked up in New Zealand, Newcastle chief Alan Pardew will be forced into a tactical reshuffle on Sunday.
And such reorganisation could see Remy Cabella used on the left-hand side in what will be his first ever appearance on home soil.
The Frenchman has looked dangerous in recent weeks, with two goals in his last two appearances against Schalke and Huddersfield Town.
On the other wing, Yoan Gouffran is expected to start, but cameos for Gabriel Obertan and youngster Rolando Aarons are highly likely as the game wears on.
Centre-Forwards: Facundo Ferreyra and Emmanuel Riviere
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Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew will unleash an all-new strike force against Real Sociedad this weekend in the shape of Facundo Ferreyra and Emmanuel Riviere.
Loan signing Ferreyra has already made two appearances for the Toon despite securing a move from Shakhtar Donetsk just five days ago.
And in Riviere, the Magpies look to have secured a natural goalscorer, with the new arrival from Monaco netting three times in pre-season already.
Whether or not Pardew will start with two strikers against Manchester City in their Premier League opener remains to be seen, but he’ll be tempted to give it a go on Sunday.
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