Newcastle Falcons vs Harlequins Prediction: Hosts can land the spoils

Harlequins' preparations for the new season have been hit by the upcoming departure of their head coach, as they prepare for Friday’s Premiership Rugby Cup clash at Newcastle (19:45 BST). Neither team has lifted this trophy before, but the Falcons will feel they can build on last season’s run to the semi-finals.

Below are my Newcastle Falcons vs Harlequins predictions, with team news and odds ahead of the big game.

Team News

George McGuigan will captain Newcastle on Friday, as he begins his third spell with the club, having left them back in 2022.

The Yorkshireman, who has played 165 times for the club, will start at hooker in what is the opening game in Pool 2, which also includes Leicester, Northampton and Saracens.

The hosts will also hand debuts to three other players, number eight Amanaki Mafi, lock Jamie Hodgson and winger Joel Grayson.

Grayson, the twin brother of Falcons fly-half Ethan, was offered a permanent contract after impressing on trial during the summer.

Harlequins have named a youthful squad for Friday’s clash, but experienced South African Stephan Lewies will captain the team.

Young Irishman Cameron Doak will make his competitive debut at tighthead, while England’s Jack Walker starts at hooker.

Former Bath man Max Green will start at scrum-half, while Academy player Jamie Benson also starts in the half-backs.

Newcastle Falcons vs Harlequins Odds

Newcastle, who lost both league matches against Quins last season, are 2/7 to take the win on Friday evening.

Harlequins, who lost to Bath in the quarter-finals last year, can be backed at 11/4, while the draw is available at 20/1.

Handicap -8 - Newcastle Falcons -8 @ 20/21

Harlequins announced on Thursday that head coach Danny Wilson will be leaving the club after being appointed as assistant coach of the Wales national team.

Friday’s game will be his final match in charge, and his departure will mean a big shake-up in the backroom staff prior to the new Premiership campaign.

Newcastle have finished bottom of the table in the last three seasons, but a high-profile takeover during the off-season will have boosted confidence and belief.

Steve Diamond refuses to get carried away, but the Director of Rugby says this game is a “big opportunity to hit the ground running”.

With Harlequins set to field a young squad and a record crowd of around 7,500 fans expected at Kingston Park, this is a good opportunity for the hosts to start a new era in a strong fashion.

Newcastle made the last four of the Premiership Rugby Cup last year, eventually losing to Bath, and a good run this season could be important in their build-up to the new league campaign.

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