Eddie Howe admitted that facing Aston Villa just 20 days before the two teams clash on the Premier League's opening day was not ideal during the club's US Tour.
The Magpies were pitched together with Villa in the Premier League's Summer Series before the fixture list came out and it proved to be a rehearsal for the August 8 encounter at St James' Park. Howe and his players overcame the uncomfortable conditions to come from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 in Philadelphia Lincoln Financial Field.
READ MORE: Newcastle vs Aston Villa player ratings from Philadelphia
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Toon head coach Howe told Chronicle Live: "Probably not. I think that both teams would say it is probably not a fixture that you want to have.
"Because it gives both teams a look at each other. They have had a look at us, we've had a look at them. I think the first game will be very different just in terms of the feeling and probably the execution of the game."
It may not be a surprise that Howe opted for a completely different formation to the one he will probably use when Unai Emery's team come to St James' Park. And there is no doubt that the former AFC Bournemouth manager is braced for a totally different occasion on Tyneside.
Howe added: "These games are very free and open. There are no consequences. So the first game is very different."
