Sandro Tonali is set to step onto the St. James’ Park field for the first time as Newcastle United faces Fiorentina in the Sela Cup, presented by VisitMalta, this Saturday (kick-off at 3:30pm).
Taking his place in the midfield, the summer signing will mark his presence for the Magpies in their inaugural fixture of the tournament. Eddie Howe’s squad will then encounter Villarreal on Sunday, concluding their preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
Across the weekend, Howe is anticipated to provide playing time to a significant portion of his main squad. Among them, Sandro Tonali, the former AC Milan midfielder, is the first of the two recent additions to the team – Harvey Barnes being the other – to showcase his skills on home ground.
Martin Dúbravka will assume goalkeeping duties, supported by a back four consisting of Kieran Trippier, Alex Murphy, Sven Botman, and Matt Targett. Tonali will anchor the midfield trio, joining forces with Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley.
Up the pitch, Miguel Almirón and Anthony Gordon will take their positions on the flanks, aiming to deliver quality service to centre forward Alexander Isak.
On the bench, a youthful lineup awaits, with Mark Gillespie as the most seasoned player among the substitutes. Another goalkeeper, Jude Smith, is also listed, along with Remi Savage, Charlie McArthur, and Jordan Hackett.
Providing midfield reinforcement are Nathan Carlyon, Jamie Miley, Lucas De Bolle, James Huntley, and Jay Turner-Cooke. Meanwhile, attacking options include Ben Parkinson, Amadou Diallo, and Michael Ndiweni.