The Battle of Britain pre-season friendly between Celtic and Newcastle is happening this weekend, and it's not just about bragging rights, mate.
Celtic and Newcastle face off in pre-season friendly
The Scottish Premiership champions will host the Premier League big boys at Celtic Park, with both teams competing for the inaugural adidas Trophy. Adidas, which also sponsors other big teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, began making Celtic's kits during the 2020/21 season. Newcastle, meanwhile, reunited with the brand for the first time in over ten years from the start of the 2024/25 season.
Adidas Trophy up for grabs
The travelling Toon Army will now battle to lift the inaugural adidas Trophy at Celtic Park on Saturday, July 19. Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, told the club's website that he's really looking forward to the match and thinks it will be a great occasion for both sets of players and supporters, as well as being really important in their build-up to next year.
Eddie Howe, the Newcastle manager, said that travelling to Glasgow to face Celtic is a great opportunity to test themselves as they gear up for Premier League and European football next season. He added that they'll face a top team at an historic ground, with a big away crowd there to support them.
Pre-season preparations
Newcastle are expected to take over 7,000 fans for their first pre-season clash at Celtic Park since Sir Bobby Robson's tenure in 2004. On Tyneside, Rodgers' Hoops were the Magpies' guests for Alan Shearer's testimonial match at St. James' Park two years later. Newcastle did visit Glasgow as part of their summer preparations in 2023, but faced Celtic's arch-rivals, Rangers, instead.
This time, Howe's players will compete in the Singapore Festival of Football in Southeast Asia, with a meeting against Arsenal. The adidas Trophy showdown will be available to stream via CelticTV, and on the official Newcastle Website and App.
Date and how to follow
This pre-season friendly will be held on Saturday 19 July, with kick-off at Celtic Park scheduled for 3pm. Details of how to sign up for Celtic's service are available here. Newcastle are offering Mags+ members the chance to watch all seven pre-season matches, including this one, for £9.99. Non-members will have to shell out £29.99, or this game can be individually purchased at a one-off price of either £4.99 or £6.99.
