Urawa Reds vs Newcastle for this pre-season friendly tie. Newcastle United travel to Saitama Stadium to face Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday, continuing their preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips
Club Friendlies | Jul 31, 2024 at 11.30am UK at Saitama Stadium 2002
Urawa Reds vs Newcastle Predictions
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Can Newcastle Outclass Urawa Red Diamonds in Pre-Season Showdown?
Key Stats
Newcastle have averaged 2.2 goals per game in their last season.
Urawa Red Diamonds have conceded 34 goals in 24 matches this season.
Alexander Isak has scored in every pre-season match for Newcastle so far.
As Newcastle United prepare for their pre-season tour in Japan, they face a challenging fixture against Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium. This match is crucial for both teams for different reasons. Urawa are looking to regain form amid a disappointing J1 League campaign, while Newcastle aim to fine-tune their squad ahead of the Premier League season.
Match Preview
Urawa Red Diamonds enter this game with mixed fortunes in their J1 League season. Despite a commendable fourth-place finish last season, they find themselves in 10th place with 33 points from 24 matches this year. The team’s inconsistency is evident, having secured only two wins in their last ten matches. Their recent 4-3 loss to Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, the league’s bottom-placed team, highlights their defensive frailties.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have had a varied pre-season so far. They commenced with a penalty shootout victory over Tottenham Hotspur following a 1-1 draw, suffered a heavy 8-0 defeat to an A-League All Stars side with a second-string team, and bounced back with a 2-0 win against Hull City. Eddie Howe’s men finished seventh in the Premier League last season, missing out on European competition, and are keen to start the new season on a strong note.
Team News
Urawa are expected to field a strong lineup to build momentum before resuming their league campaign. Thiago Santana, who has scored 10 goals in 24 league appearances, will be pivotal in their attack.
Newcastle will be without Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, and Joe Willock due to injuries. Additionally, Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier will not feature due to recent international commitments. Alexander Isak, who scored in their previous friendly, is expected to lead the line, supported by Jacob Murphy, Joelinton, and Harvey Barnes.
Urawa Red Diamonds Possible Starting Lineup: Nishikawa; Ishihara, Inoue, Hoibraten, Sekine; Ito, Yasui; Okubo, Takeda, Watanabe; Santana
Newcastle United Possible Starting Lineup: Pope; Livramento, Burn, Kelly, Lewis; Miley, Hall; Murphy, Joelinton, Barnes, Isak
Tactical Analysis
Urawa Red Diamonds have struggled defensively, conceding 34 goals in 24 matches, with errors leading to goals on multiple occasions. Their strength lies in their attacking play, particularly through Thiago Santana, and their ability to create chances, averaging 14.3 shots per game.
Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, have focused on a balanced approach with an emphasis on solid defence and effective counter-attacks. Despite conceding 62 goals last season, their clean sheet record shows promise. Alexander Isak’s form will be crucial in breaking down Urawa’s defence.
Key Player Battles
- Thiago Santana vs Dan Burn: Santana’s clinical finishing will test Burn’s defensive capabilities. Santana’s movement and positioning can exploit any lapses in Newcastle’s defence.
- Alexander Isak vs Alexander Scholz: Isak’s pace and finishing will be a significant threat. Scholz needs to be at his best to contain Isak and prevent him from finding space in the box.
- Joelinton vs Atsuki Ito: This midfield battle could determine the flow of the game. Joelinton’s physicality and drive against Ito’s composure and passing ability will be fascinating to watch.
Gameplay Prediction
Given Urawa’s defensive issues and Newcastle’s attacking prowess, this game could see plenty of goals. Urawa will likely adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on counter-attacks. Newcastle will aim to dominate possession, utilising their midfield strength and attacking depth to create scoring opportunities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Urawa Red Diamonds
- Strengths: Attacking creativity, goal-scoring ability.
- Weaknesses: Defensive frailties, inconsistency in performances.
Newcastle United
- Strengths: Balanced gameplay, strong counter-attacks, solid midfield.
- Weaknesses: Defensive vulnerabilities, reliance on key players for creativity.
Managerial Critique
Urawa Red Diamonds’ Manager: The current strategy has not yielded the expected results, indicating a need for a tactical overhaul. Defensive organisation is a significant area of concern that needs immediate addressing.
Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe: While Howe has brought stability and a competitive edge, his team’s inconsistency in defence could be a hurdle. The recent heavy defeat to an A-League All Stars side suggests a need for better squad rotation and defensive strategies.
Expected Goals Analysis
Urawa have scored 39 goals in 24 matches, averaging 1.6 goals per game, but have also conceded 34. This indicates a high chance of both scoring and conceding. Newcastle, with 85 goals in 38 matches last season, have a more potent attack, averaging 2.2 goals per game. Their defensive record, however, with 62 goals conceded, highlights potential vulnerabilities.
Betting Angles
Best Bet: Newcastle -2 to Win Given Urawa’s defensive struggles and Newcastle’s attacking strength, a two-goal margin for Newcastle appears likely. Isak’s form and the absence of key Urawa defenders further support this prediction.
Correct Score: Urawa Red Diamonds 1-4 Newcastle United This prediction aligns with the best bet, considering Newcastle’s superior attacking force and Urawa’s tendency to concede multiple goals.
Goalscorer: Alexander Isak to Score Anytime Isak’s recent form and Newcastle’s reliance on him for goals make him a prime candidate to score in this fixture.
Corner Prediction: Newcastle to Have More Corners Newcastle’s attacking style and Urawa’s defensive posture suggest Newcastle will have more opportunities to win corners.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target Over 6.5 With Newcastle’s average of 5.6 shots on target per game last season and Urawa’s defensive issues, it’s plausible Newcastle will exceed 6.5 shots on target in this match.lihood of aggressive tackles and fouls increases, making over 3.5 total cards a strong prediction for this game.
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