Preview for Celtic v Newcastle
Anthony Elanga is set to make his Newcastle debut in tomorrow’s pre-season friendly at Celtic.
Winger Elanga joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forrest for £55million last week but was not rushed into featuring in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Carlisle in a behind-closed-doors clash.
But he will be a part of the squad that flies directly from the club’s training camp in the Austrian Alps to Glasgow for tomorrow’s game.
Boss Eddie Howe said of his new recruit: “First impressions are that Anthony has fitted very well into the group. His personality is really strong.
“I know he knows a lot of the group already so I think he feels at home with those connections with those individuals whether it be from internationals or playing against them.
“He has shown his pace and athleticism which is a real weapon for us to add to the other players we have with those similar qualities so yeah it has been a very impressive start.”
Howe has been working the players hard this week and accepts they will likely be tired when they come up against the Scottish champions.
He added on NUTV: “We will have a single session ahead of Celtic to try to get the lads in a decent physical condition for Celtic.
“Albeit they will probably go into the game slightly jaded. We hope to produce a good performance in front of what will be a passionate home support, but also a big away following.
“I think when you look at our pre-season games, every game is a test. Carlisle was a test because they were two weeks ahead of us on fitness.
“That was a really good work out in our first game, this will be a big step up because of the level of opposition then we go into Singapore and South Korea and face Tottenham and Arsenal.”
Alexander Isak. 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/XhxN6qKGm0
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 15, 2025
Alexander Isak, the subject of much speculation this week, belatedly joined the squad in Austria and will likely start on the bench.
Celtic are much further on in their pre-season preparations with the domestic league kicking off on August 2, although the Hoops start a day later against St Mirren.
They were impressive 2-0 winners against Sporting CP in Faro on Wednesday night.
Boss Brendan Rodgers told Celtic TV: “Performance wise, it was outstanding. We made another step in our fitness and tactical idea with some of the players coming in.
“I thought overall it was a very good performance against a team that are really good. It’s a difficult system they play.
“Tactically, we were excellent in the game in our pressure and pressing, and, in our play, some of our football was outstanding.
“We scored two goals and could have had more, but to play with that confidence was nice and the performance was at a good level.
“It was a very good workout for us and it ends a great week.”
Team News for Celtic v Newcastle
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that beat Sporting.
Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento misses out due to his involvement with England’s European Championship-winning Under-21 side.
Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Isak all joined up this week and won’t be thrust straight in.
Lewis Hall is still working his way back to full fitness. Sean Longstaff is on the verge of joining Leeds.
Predicted line-ups for Celtic v Newcastle
Celtic: Schmeichel, Ralston, Murray, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Forrest, Idah, Maeda
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Willock, Miley, Joelinton; Elanga, Osula, Barnes
The Bhoys are back at Lennoxtown ⛰️#adidasTrophy | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/G8GR67vpud
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 18, 2025
How to watch Celtic v Newcastle
Celtic versus Newcastle kicks off at 3pm tomorrow. It is not on television in the UK but can be watched on CelticTV and NUTV.
Stats for Celtic v Newcastle
- Celtic clinched their record-equalling 55th Premiership title last season
- Newcastle last visited Celtic for a pre-season friendly in 2004, losing 2-1
Prediction for Celtic v Newcastle
It would arguably be a different prediction if this was a regular season game but we’re going for Celtic’s superior fitness to tell on this occasion.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Newcastle
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2025-07-18 16:31:44
