Newcastle United are set to face a K-League All-Star XI at the Suwon World Cup Stadium in South Korea on Wednesday, July 30, in a crucial pre-season friendly. The match, part of the Coupang Play Series, presents an opportunity for the Magpies to secure their first win of the summer tour after suffering defeats to Celtic and Arsenal.
Manager Eddie Howe has made three changes to the side that narrowly lost 3-2 to Arsenal in Singapore. The team is grappling with a turbulent off-season, marked by transfer speculation and injuries. The starting lineup for the clash sees Nick Pope in goal, with a defensive line of Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, and Jacob Murphy. The midfield consists of Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, and Lewis Miley, while the attack is led by Anthony Gordon, new signing Anthony Elanga, and youngster Will Osula. Key changes see Livramento replacing Kieran Trippier, Krafth stepping in for Dan Burn, and the promising Lewis Miley taking the place of Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.
The backdrop to the game is dominated by uncertainty surrounding star striker Alexander Isak. The Swedish international is absent from the tour, officially due to a “minor thigh issue,” but speculation is rampant about a potential record-breaking transfer to Liverpool. Addressing the situation, Howe stated, “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him… We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays.” With Callum Wilson having already departed on a free transfer, the focus up front falls on Will Osula to lead the line.
There is some positive news on the injury front, as Lewis Hall returns to the squad and makes the bench after a long-term ankle injury. He is joined by new South Korean signing Park Seung-soo, giving the local crowd a potential glimpse of their homegrown talent. However, defender Sven Botman remains sidelined after picking up a groin issue against Arsenal, highlighting the team’s need for defensive reinforcements with the Premier League season just 17 days away.
Their opponents, the K-League XI, are a selection of the best players from South Korea’s top flight, managed by Ulsan Hyundai’s coach Pan-gon Kim. The team has had to make late adjustments, with defenders Tae-seok Lee and Moon-hwan Kim withdrawing due to injury and personal reasons, respectively. They have been replaced by Jeong-won Eo and Thomas Oude Kotte. The All-Stars have a history of providing entertaining encounters, including a notable 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in 2023. Their starting eleven features veteran South Korean goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, with a dynamic attack expected to test Newcastle’s defence.
For Newcastle, the match is more than just a friendly. It is a chance for players to stake their claim for a starting spot and for the team to build momentum. Anthony Elanga, who scored his first goal for the club against Arsenal, will be keen to continue his form. As the club navigates significant off-field distractions, a positive result and performance in Suwon would provide a much-needed boost ahead of the new campaign.
