Why winner of Celtic v Newcastle will receive first-ever trophy after Battle of Britain friendly

Celtic's home advantage might influence betting trends, favoring them in the pre-season friendly against Newcastle, particularly given their status as Scottish champions. Punters may see odds weighted in favor of Celtic.

Celtic and Newcastle will contest a Battle of Britain pre-season friendly this weekend with more than just bragging rights on offer.

The SPL champions will host the Premier League giants, with both teams competing for the inaugural adidas Trophy. Newcastle held a pre-season training camp in Austria. Scotland and England’s respective League Cup winners are both partners of the German sportswear brand.

Adidas, which also sponsors Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, began making Celtic’s kits during the 2020/21 season. The Hoops announced a ‘landmark extension’ in May, hailed by club chief executive Michael Nicholson as ‘the biggest official kit supplier partnership in the club’s history’.

Newcastle, meanwhile, reunited with the brand for the first time in over ten years from the start of the 2024/25 season. Adidas previously supplied the Magpies’ official kits and training wear between 1995 and 2010.

The travelling Toon Army will now battle to lift the inaugural adidas Trophy at Celtic Park on Saturday, July 19. Brendan Rodgers told Celtic’s website: “I’m really looking forward to this match in the summer and I think it will be a great occasion for both sets of players and supporters, as well as being really important in our build-up to next year.

“Eddie and his team, like ourselves, have enjoyed a great season and I know we will face a tough test from a top Premier League side. As champions, we will aim to enjoy a good pre-season to get us ready for the challenges of next year at home and abroad, and this really exciting match will provide great preparation for us.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “Travelling to Glasgow, to face Celtic, is a great opportunity to test ourselves as we gear up for Premier League and European football next season. Celtic have the home advantage for the inaugural adidas Trophy.”

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. The English northeast outfit downed the Gers 2-1 at Ibrox before continuing the rest of their pre-season in the United States.

This time, Howe’s players will compete in the Singapore Festival of Football in Southeast Asia, with a meeting against Arsenal.

Celtic v Newcastle: Date and how to follow

This pre-season friendly will be held on Saturday 19 July and kick-off is scheduled for 3pm. The adidas Trophy showdown will be available to stream via CelticTV and on the official Newcastle Website and App.

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.

Talksport