Newcastle lineup vs. Arsenal: Predicted XI for pre-season friendly as Alexander Isak replacement decided

Newcastle United have the hard job of sticking to football on Sunday, when the Magpies commence their pre-season tour of the Far East against Premier League rivals Arsenal in Singapore.

Eddie Howe took almost all of his troops to Asia, with one extremely notable exception, as Alexander Isak was omitted from the tour party while he explores a move away from St James' Park.

Newcastle stated that the Swedish striker was struggling with a small thigh injury, but reports emerged of his desire to leave soon after, and news of a possible record-breaking bid from Liverpool is understandably dominating the North East headlines at present.

However, Howe can only focus on what is in his control, such as selecting Will Osula to lead the line in Isak's place while his superiors supposedly weigh up a move for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

New signing Anthony Elanga may have to watch on from the bench in the first half, though, as Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon are strong contenders to flank Osula in Howe's 4-3-3 system.

As Joelinton has only just recovered from injury, ex-Arsenal product Joe Willock could operate in the engine room alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, while experienced heads will operate at the back.

Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Matt Targett are primed to feature in front of Nick Pope, who may swap out for Martin Dubravka midway through the contest.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Pope; Trippier, Botman, Burn, Targett; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Barnes, Osula, Gordon

> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this friendly