Newcastle Faces Everton in Premier League Preseason Test

Newcastle United’s summer tune‑up moves north on Wednesday, with Matthias Jaissle’s side heading to Edinburgh to face Everton at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.

This is the Magpies’ fourth public friendly of the summer, and they arrive with a bit of a spring in their step after a 2-1 win away to Valencia at Mestalla. Three warm-up games remain — including this one — before the real business starts with a Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23.

Jaissle’s second look at his new squad

The scoreline still sits in the back seat. Jaissle’s priorities are clear: performance, fitness, and sharpening the understanding inside a squad still getting used to his ideas in only his second game in charge.

The German head coach is expected to tinker. The XI that started in Spain may not be the one that walks out at Murrayfield, with places very much up for grabs as the new regime takes shape.

Yoane Wissa has done his bit to force the issue. The forward struck both goals in the win over Valencia and is now pushing hard for a starting berth, aiming to nail down his status in the first-choice group before the season kicks off.

Anthony Elanga, by contrast, looks set to sit this one out after picking up an injury in that same game. His absence opens another attacking slot for Jaissle to experiment with as he weighs up combinations and partnerships.

Everton offer a sharper edge to preseason

This isn’t just another overseas run-out. Facing fellow Premier League opposition should give Newcastle a more honest measure of where they stand.

Everton have already logged five preseason fixtures and arrive in Edinburgh off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart. David Moyes is in the same phase as Jaissle — shaping his squad, sorting his pecking order, and trying to carry some rhythm into the competitive campaign.

Both managers will demand intensity without risking overload. Both will want a reaction from their players: Newcastle to build on a solid win in Spain, Everton to respond to a setback in Germany.

The stage, though, belongs to Murrayfield. A rugby cathedral turned football proving ground, hosting two Premier League clubs searching for answers before August hits for real.

Newcastle’s preparation is gathering speed. The question now is who seizes this chance to convince Jaissle they belong in his first Premier League lineup against Liverpool.