Gateshead vs Newcastle: prediction and odds

The modest Gateshead side are significantly outclassed by their opponents and even by their own standards, last season was a mediocre affair. We do not expect the team to offer a worthy fight in this friendly encounter. Newcastle United have already found their rhythm, having played one pre-season match which they won convincingly. The visitors are unlikely to face any serious problems in this clash.

Gateshead: A Weak Finish and Modest Transfers

In the last National League season, Gateshead performed extremely modestly, finishing in 18th place in the league table with 50 points from 46 matches (14 wins, 8 draws, and 24 defeats). The team displayed a weak defensive record, conceding 90 goals while scoring 54. The club started their summer friendly program actively: first, they thrashed Blyth Spartans 6-0, then drew 1-1 with Heaton Stannington and 3-3 with Hebburn Town – hardly the strongest of opponents.

During the off-season, Gateshead refreshed their squad with free agents. The lineup was bolstered by striker Luke Charman and right-back Tom Lavery. Meanwhile, Max Melbourne, Carter Milmore, and Oli Thompson all left the club on free transfers, so it cannot be said that the team has become stronger.

Newcastle United: A Mid-Table Premier League Season and High-Profile Sales

Newcastle United had an unremarkable last Premier League season, finishing in 12th place with 49 points (14 wins, 7 draws, and 17 defeats, with a goal difference of 53:55). However, the Magpies opened their summer friendly campaign with a confident 3-0 clean-sheet victory over Darlington.

The transfer summer was a busy one for the Magpies. The club executed a major fire sale of its stars: Sandro Tonali moved to Tottenham Hotspur for €108 million, and Anthony Gordon was sent to Barcelona for €80 million. Kieran Trippier left for Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer, Matt Targett departed the club, and Harrison Ashby left on loan. In return, Newcastle invested heavily in promising talent: left winger Bazoumana Touré was bought from Hoffenheim for €50 million, midfielder Sean Steur arrived from Ajax for €23.5 million, and the goalkeeping department was strengthened by Ewen Jaouen from Reims for €21.5 million. Overall, the squad is ready for the new Premier League season.

Predicted Lineups

Gateshead: Montgomery; Lavery, Storey, Richardson, Ward; Butterfield, Booty; Whelan, Olley, Blackett; Charman.

Newcastle United: Dubravka; Livramento, Lascelles, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Willock, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.

Referee

The match officials have not been officially announced by the clubs ahead of this friendly fixture.

Prediction and Bet on Gateshead vs Newcastle United

Main Prediction: Newcastle United to Win with a Handicap (-2.5)

The difference in class between the 18th-placed team in the National League and a Premier League club is enormous. Newcastle United are superior to their opponents in every aspect of the game, and the young new signings will be eager to prove themselves to the coaching staff from the first minute. In their previous friendly, the Magpies easily demolished Darlington 3-0, and against a Gateshead side that conceded 90 goals last season, the visitors are capable of repeating that success. We choose the outcome: Newcastle United to win with a handicap (-2.5). We estimate the probability of this outcome occurring at 63%.

Total Goals Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals

Friendly matches between elite sides and clubs from lower divisions traditionally take place in an open fashion, with frequent substitutions in the second half. Gateshead already produced a high-scoring 3-3 draw in July against the not-so-strong Hebburn Town, while Newcastle's attack has enough quality to score four goals on its own. We expect open football and a high number of goals. We choose the outcome: total goals over 3.5. We estimate the probability of this outcome occurring at 58%.