Newcastle United Pre-Season Clash with Everton at Murrayfield
Newcastle United take their preparations on the road to Edinburgh on Wednesday, swapping Tyneside for the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium and a meeting with Premier League rivals Everton.
It is the Magpies’ fourth public friendly of the summer and it comes on the back of a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Valencia at Mestalla. Three warm-up games remain — including this one — before the serious business starts with a Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23.
Jaissle’s second look at his new squad
This is only Matthias Jaissle’s second game in charge, but the themes are already clear. Performance over result. Fitness over fanfare. Structure over scoreline.
The German head coach is expected to tinker with the side that started in Spain. This is the stage of pre-season where minutes matter more than momentum, and Jaissle will want to see different combinations across the pitch as he accelerates his work with a new dressing room.
The spotlight naturally falls on those trying to force their way into his first-choice plans. Few have done more to stake a claim than Yoane Wissa. He scored both goals against Valencia and now pushes hard for a place in the starting XI to cement himself in that first-selection group.
Anthony Elanga will not get that chance in Edinburgh. He is set to miss out after picking up an injury in the win over Valencia, a frustration for player and manager alike as the clock ticks towards the opening day.
Everton bring hardened pre-season edge
If Newcastle are still easing into their new era, Everton arrive with more miles in their legs. They have already played five pre-season fixtures and make the trip north after a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart.
David Moyes is also in the middle of his own rebuild, shaping his squad for the competitive campaign ahead. Facing a fellow Premier League side at a neutral venue gives both managers a sharper gauge than a routine run-out against lower-league opposition.
For Newcastle, this is another chance to test their evolving style against familiar intensity. For Everton, it is an opportunity to respond after Stuttgart and tighten up before the real scrutiny begins.
The setting is grand, the stakes are low, but the clues about the season to come will be there for anyone paying close attention.
