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Magpies Announce Pre-Season Schedule
Written by Newcastle Utd
Newcastle United have announced this summer's schedule of pre-season friendlies, which will include a trip to Portugal
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Newcastle United have confirmed their pre-season schedule, which will see the Magpies play two games in Scotland, travel to Portugal and welcome Champions League opponents to St. James' Park.
Alan Pardew's squad will begin reporting back to the Club's Benton training ground in three groups for testing from Wednesday, 3rd July, although those who were on international duty during the summer - Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Mathieu Debuchy, Papiss Cisse and Fabricio Coloccini - will be given an extra week-and-a-half off.
United's first friendly will see them visit Fir Park to take on last season's Scottish Premier League runners-up and Champions League qualifiers Motherwell on Tuesday, 16th July before the squad departs for Portugal ahead of a training camp and two friendly games.
Rio Ave - who finished sixth in the Primeira Liga last term - will host Newcastle at the Estadio do Rio Ave on Saturday, 20th July before Pacos de Ferreira, who finished third to earn a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds, will welcome the black and whites to the Estadio da Capital do Movel three days later.
On Sunday, 28th July, United will play Blackpool at Bloomfield Road before a Newcastle XI head to St. Mirren, the Scottish League Cup holders, on Tuesday, 30th July.
Newcastle expect to confirm one further friendly away from home in early August before on Saturday, 10th August - one week before the start of the Barclays Premier League season - they host SC Braga at Gallowgate. Os Arcebispos finished fourth in their domestic league and played in the Champions League group stages last term.
The full list of pre-season friendlies - with one more expected to be confirmed - is:
Tuesday, 16th July - Motherwell away (kick-off 7pm)
Saturday, 20th July - Rio Ave away (kick-off 6pm)
Tuesday, 23rd July - Pacos de Ferreira (kick-off TBC)
Sunday, 28th July - Blackpool away (kick-off 3pm)
Tuesday, 30th July - St. Mirren away (kick-off 7.30pm)
Saturday, August 10th - SC Braga home (kick-off 6pm)