Right now, the top story at Newcastle United is the summer transfer window, specifically, at the forward position group. Ahead of the preseason friendly at Celtic this weekend, Geordie supporters everywhere are wondering if Hugo Ekitike is indeed coming over to their side? Or, will Liverpool be hijacking their deal?
It had been thought that an acquisition of Ekitike was drawing closer to getting done.
Newcastle United at Celtic FYIs
Competition: Preseason club friendly, the Adidas Trophy
Newcastle United Preview Material: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Kickoff time: 3PM GMT, 19 July Saturday
Location: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
And on the other side of things, Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Alexander Isak. So it all sets up for a potential transfer window domino theory to transpire.
Meanwhile Anthony Elanga has already made the switch, and we’re predicting that he gets a starting assignment here. No matter who starts here, however, he won’t be going the full 90 in this one.
There were wholesale changes at halftime against Carlisle, and we expect Howe to do the same thing here.
Newcastle United Starting Lineup Prediction at Celtic
Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn; Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Matt Targett, Joelinton; Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Elanga
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter