Celtic vs. Newcastle United Tips and Odds – 19/07/2025

• Date: Saturday, 19 July 2025
• Venue: Celtic Park (Parkhead), Glasgow
• Competition: International Club Friendly

The Preview

Get ready for a classic British football showdown as Celtic host Newcastle United at Paradise! Both clubs are eager to set the tone ahead of their domestic seasons, and this matchup offers a festival atmosphere with over 10,000 Magpie supporters set to descend upon Glasgow for a pre-season spectacle. With the inaugural adidas Trophy on the line and new signings ready to impress, anticipation for this friendly is at boiling point.

Celtic enter the game following a solid conclusion to their domestic campaign. The Bhoys drew 1-1 in the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen, after sharing the spoils with St Mirren and delivering dominant wins over Aberdeen (5-1), Hibernian (3-1), and Dundee United (5-0). The only minor hiccup was a gritty 1-1 Old Firm draw away at Rangers, which showcased Celtic’s resilience in derby settings. Key additions Benjamin Nygren, Hayato Inamura, and Callum Osmand will be eager to win over Paradise with influential debuts, while club legend Kieran Tierney returns to the fold to further galvanize the squad.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, arrive in Scotland off a mixed finish in the Premier League—with narrow defeats to Everton (0-1) and Arsenal (0-1), but fuelled by a strong 2-0 win over Chelsea and a 3-0 victory over Ipswich. Their traveling support—record-breaking in number—anticipates the debut of Swedish star Anthony Elanga and a determined performance from Eddie Howe’s men as they fine-tune for their own league’s kickoff. The Magpies, after last summer’s memorable win at Ibrox, are poised to make another statement north of the border.

Unfortunately, both teams aren’t at full strength. Celtic will likely be without Cameron Carter-Vickers (injury) and have several doubts: Alistair Johnston, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Paulo Bernardo, and Luis Palma have not returned to training. Stephen Welsh remains a question mark for the defence. For Newcastle, Tino Livramento remains out after England’s U21 Euros triumph, while Lewis Hall continues recovering from an ankle injury. However, the return of Sven Botman—who’s trained despite knee strapping—is a timely boost at the back.

Off the pitch, this friendly represents more than mere match fitness. With both teams welcoming new faces and supporters flocking to Glasgow in record numbers, the match will serve as a litmus test for summer signings and tactical tweaks before competitive action resumes. It promises goals, drama, and a true pre-season party.

Key Players

• Celtic:
  • Matt O’Riley: Creative spark in midfield, instrumental in build-up and set-pieces.
  • Kieran Tierney: Inspirational presence on his return, bringing pace and leadership at the back.
• Newcastle United:
  • Alexander Isak: Star striker with a talent for goals in big moments.
  • Anthony Elanga: Debutant with bags of pace, aiming to make an instant impact.
  • Sven Botman: Defensive anchor; his return is key to Newcastle’s backline solidity.

Prediction

While the focus is on preparations, both teams will want to send a message. With Celtic’s attacking prowess at home, balanced by Newcastle’s newly energized squad and strong away support, expect a competitive, high-paced encounter. The Bhoys might just edge it with home advantage and the energy of a packed Celtic Park, but Newcastle’s firepower makes a draw a real possibility.

Predicted Score: Celtic 2-2 Newcastle United.

Betting Markets & Odds

All odds are subject to change and should be confirmed with your bookmaker prior to placing a bet. Have fun and gamble responsibly!

Get set for a cracker in Glasgow, where Paradise will be rocking for the perfect start to pre-season!