[watch online] Today: Newcastle vs. Villarreal live 6 August 2023
Newcastle United - BBC SportImage source, Getty ImagesHarry De Cosemo, BBC Sport at St James’ ParkNewcastle United looked in control in the first of two pre-season games at St James’ Park, winning 2-0 against Fiorentina. Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak scored in either half for Eddie Howe’s men, with a different XI gearing up to face Villarreal on Sunday. That team will likely include Bruno Guimaraes but it was notable, thanks to home debutant Sandro Tonali, just how much control Newcastle had in midfield. That bodes very well, given they lacked that whenever the Brazilian was absent last season. Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson, two academy graduates, continued their impressive pre-season performances, with the latter gunning to start against Aston Villa next week. Anthony Gordon looked much more comfortable in his position from the left, but behind him was where the only issue lay.
An anterior cruciate ligament injury curtailed his season in April 2022 and he was sidelined for a over a year before returning to first team action in May 2023. Despite the injury struggles of last season, the England under-21 international won a lot plaudits for his performances in the 2021-22 season - the reason Southampton have valued him so highly. Get Newcastle news direct to your phoneBut 32-year-old Trippier will not be giving up his position on the right side of defence so easily after his experience proved crucial in helping the Magpies to a top four spot in his first full season back in the Premier League. Despite playing less minutes in his 2021-22 season (2422) compared to Trippier's 2022-23 season (4100), Livramento was still able to run the England international close in some key areas.
Here are some of your thoughts:Leonard: I'm impressed by the youngsters, particularly Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley. I also think we’ve bought fantastic players in Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes. I'm betting Tonali will thrive at Newcastle. Dan: We need a proper left-back and a centre-back, in case of injury to Schar or Botman. Lascelles is a bench player at best and Dan Burn covers left and centre but struggles against top-tier opposition.
I think they'll love watching him play in the black and white shirt. "The same for Harvey. He's an outstanding goalscorer. He's scored goals in the Premier League now for the last four years and he's been a high-class performer for a very strong Leicester team. "So I think they are great additions. They are both great people and we look forward to their first experience at St. James' Park. "Two draws and a victory featured in Newcastle United's Premier League Summer Series. Eddie Howe says the squad is returning to Newcastle "more united" after a positive trip to the US. We asked what you made of the tour and who has impressed you the most.
It’s great to be back home as it feels like a long time since we played at St James’ Park. We intend to play two balanced and competitive XIs. "He gave no indication on Tino Livramento’s potential arrival at the club: "I am slightly in the dark on that but I certainly like the player. "He is happy with his squad but always would like more: "It is leaner than last year currently but not in a negative way. We do not want a huge squad as we want everyone to feel involved. We will need everybody. "Sign up for Newcastle news notificationsImage source, Getty ImagesFormer Magpies centre-half Steve Howey has been reacting to the news that a fee for Tino Livramento has been agreed on BBC Radio Newcastle: "Southampton have obviously got what they wanted because I think the fee is about £30-32m with add-ons, so close to about £40m.