Anthony Gordon starts in first game of the Sela Weekender

Eddie Howe has had to split his squad into two with two games in as many days to be played tonight and tomorrow.

The Sela Weekender gets underway tonight with a 7:30pm kick-off as Newcastle United take on Girona who finished third in La Liga last season.

Had Howe decided to name a full-strength starting XI tonight he'd have been left with a weakened team for Saturday's game against Ligue 1's third-placed side, Stade Brestois on Saturday.

We all remember how that worked out for Newcastle in Australia as Howe's reserve side were battered 8-0 by the A-League All Stars.

Howe's first Sela Weekender Starting XI is a strong one

Eddie Howe has picked a few first-team players to start tonight's game with Nick Pope in goal, Joelinton in midfield and Alexander Isak up front.

It's not a full-strength XI owing to the fact that Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier are among those names missing, but it's still an impressive lineup.

Crucially, Anthony Gordon is set to get his first taste of action in pre-season having just returned to training this week.

Newcastle have a couple of promising youngsters on the bench

Jamie Miley is set to continue his run in the side after being fairly prominent in pre-season while Trevan Sanusi and Alfie Harrison are on the bench again, hoping for some more action.

There's no sign of Will Osula in this squad, but given that he's the only fit striker other than Alexander Isak, we expect he will start against Brest in the 4pm kick-off on Saturday.

Newcastle United women also play tomorrow in the 1pm kick-off against AC Milan.