Newcastle United are set to play their final friendly match of the summer tomorrow against FC Augsburg at St. James’ Park.
After a week-long trip in Portugal, Newcastle United are back on Tyneside to host FC Augsburg in their final friendly match of the summer. Newcastle have not played well this preseason with one win, two draws and an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to SC Braga.
The Magpies have played some diverse sides from Ireland, England and Portugal this preseason, and they will conclude their friendly fixtures against a German club. FC Augsburg play their football in the Bundesliga and they have been a consistent mid-table side since earning promotion from the second tier in 2011.
Last season, FC Augsburg finished the Bundesliga campaign in 12th place and were mediocre in their form as they concluded the season with a record of 10-11-13. When compared to some of Newcastle’s earlier opponents this summer, FC Augsburg is not a dangerous team that will force Newcastle to defend most of the match. With that being said, here are some things we can expect in Newcastle’s final friendly of the summer.
Attacking Formation
Newcastle have scored four goals in four preseason matches and Rafa Benitez will want to see his men score multiple times. With opening day right around the corner, Benitez will want to see maximum effort from his attacking core against FC Augsburg.
Newcastle will be a competitive side in England this season and they will be expected to defeat inferior opponents. In order to achieve this objective, the Magpies must create several scoring chances against weaker defenses to get goals.
FC Augsburg is a respectable opponent, but they would be a bottom-half side in the Premier League. With that in mind, Newcastle must create a strong passing rhythm and frequently get the ball up top. Anything less than a victory tomorrow will be considered a disappointment.
Calm Defensive Unit
It was quite evident that the Portugal trip was an eye-opener for Newcastle. The Magpies struggled with the pace of FC Porto and SC Braga, but that should not be a problem tomorrow. FC Augsburg have a decent midfield and front-line, but they are a slower team that does not attack much.
Last season, FC Augsburg only managed to score 43 goals and conceded goals 46 times. Their negative goal differential indicates that they were competitive in most matches, but were vulnerable on defense. That vulnerability will prevent them from attacking Newcastle too often and, as a result, the Magpies’ back-line should not be threatened much.
Toon Army vs. Mike Ashley
This will not be a surprise to anyone as we can predict that the Toon Army will be loud and clear in expressing their frustration with Mike Ashley. Newcastle supporters have had enough of Ashley’s regime and will not hesitate to let their thoughts fly out in the open.
Aside from the tension with Mike Ashley, the Toon Army will also serve the purpose of motivating their players on the field. After four matches away from home this summer, it will be refreshing to see the Magpies back at St. James’ Park ahead of their clash with Tottenham on opening day.