Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are set to face off in a friendly match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, just days after the conclusion of the Premier League season. This fixture is part of the Global Football Week Melbourne and is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 22 at the 100,000-capacity stadium. Both teams will be coming off their final league matches against Sheffield United and Brentford, respectively.
Following the match at the MCG, Newcastle United will then take on an A-League Men All Stars team on Friday, May 24 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. This double-header event will also feature Arsenal's women's team playing against an A-League Women All Stars team. The week of football festivities will see a homecoming for several individuals, including Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who has strong ties to Melbourne through his coaching and playing career.
Additionally, Australian Arsenal players Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and Kyra Cooney-Cross will make the journey back home to participate in the matches before heading to Adelaide for the Matildas' sold-out clash against China in preparation for the Paris Olympics.
Originally, Chelsea was targeted as Tottenham's opponent for the friendly, but Chelsea's FA Cup commitments may prevent their participation if they reach the final at Wembley on Saturday, May 25. Both Tottenham and Newcastle are still in contention for European qualification next season, with Postecoglou's side aiming for a spot in the Champions League and Eddie Howe's Newcastle vying for a place in the Europa League.