Glasgow is set to host a highly anticipated pre-season friendly as Scottish champions Celtic take on English Carabao Cup holders Newcastle United at Celtic Park. Dubbed a ‘Battle of Britain’, the match, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM BST, will also see the introduction of the inaugural adidas Trophy, adding a competitive edge to the glamour fixture.
Both clubs are intensifying their preparations for the upcoming season. Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are gearing up for their Scottish Premiership title defence and a quest for an unprecedented ‘five-in-a-row’. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are kicking off their pre-season schedule following a training camp in Austria, with this match being the first of six friendlies before their Premier League campaign begins on August 16.
The starting lineups for the clash reveal strong selections from both managers. Celtic’s XI features Kasper Schmeichel, Anthony Ralston, Stephen Murray, Auston Trusty, Hayato Inamura, Callum McGregor, Daniel McCowan, Nicolas Engels, Hyun-jun Yang, Daizen Maeda, and Seán Kenny. Notable players on the bench include returning hero Kieran Tierney, new signing Benjamin Nygren, and Reo Hatate. Celtic also officially unveiled their latest acquisition, Japanese striker Shin Yamada, who completed a £1.2 million switch from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale, signing a four-year contract. Yamada, 25, expressed his excitement to join compatriots like Maeda and Hatate, aiming to make his own impact at Parkhead. (Daily Record)
Newcastle United’s starting eleven includes Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett, Victor Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimarães, and Lewis Miley. A significant absentee for the Magpies is striker Alexander Isak, who is sidelined with a groin injury sustained on international duty. New signing Anthony Elanga is listed among the substitutes, alongside Martin Dubravka, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon. (Daily Record, FotMob)
An intriguing subplot to the match is the presence of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. Howe famously turned down the Celtic managerial role in 2021, a decision that ultimately led to Ange Postecoglou’s successful tenure and Brendan Rodgers’ return. Since Howe’s snub, Celtic have secured nine trophies in four years. Coincidentally, Howe has also enjoyed significant success, guiding Newcastle to their first major trophy in 70 years with the Carabao Cup and returning them to European competition. (Daily Record)
The atmosphere in Glasgow is expected to be electric, with over 10,000 Newcastle fans making the journey north. Both sets of supporters gathered in George Square for pre-match sing-offs, showcasing the passion surrounding the fixture. Some Newcastle fans were also seen in traditional Rangers pubs, highlighting the significant travelling support. (Daily Record, ChronicleLive)
For fans unable to attend, Newcastle United is providing live streaming of all their pre-season friendly games via their official club website and app. Access to all matches is available for £9.99 for Magp+ members, £19.99 for Mags members, and £29.99 for non-members. Individual matches can also be purchased for £4.99 or £6.99, depending on the game. (ChronicleLive)
This friendly also holds a historical echo, as it marks 30 years since Newcastle United last played Celtic in a friendly to officially open the £17 million North Stand at Parkhead, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. Today’s encounter promises to be another memorable chapter in the cross-border football rivalry, providing a crucial test for both teams as they fine-tune their squads for the competitive season ahead.
