Eddie Howe will not overreact to Newcastle United’s alarming defeat to Manchester City last weekend, as he prepares his squad for two more huge Premier League clashes against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. The Magpies head coach made no bones over his disappointment in the performance at the Etihad, but is like unlikely to lose faith with his side after their recent achievements.
After all, while his Newcastle squad have suffered something of a drop in Premier League form, the incredible run of consecutive wins in December and into January has set United up for an exciting end of the season. Not only have they booked their place in the Carabao Cup final next month, but they are into the last 16 of the FA Cup and have a realstic chance of earning Champions League football next season with a top-five finish.
Powered by
To do so, they must calm the recent choppy waters, particularly at St James’ Park, where they have lost their last two Premier League games to AFC Bournemouth and Fulham. Even if Howe wanted to make wholesale changes, his small squad doesn’t allow it – but there are tweaks he will be mulling over this week.
Promoted Stories
United continue to miss the physical presence of Joelinton in central midfield and, while the Brazilian should be back in action before their Wembley date, he is not expected to feature against Forest and Liverpool in the next seven days. Howe does not have a like-for-like replacement, and Joe Willock’s half-time withdrawal at the Etihad suggests an alternative solution will be found for this weekend.
Newcastle train ahead of crunch Champions League clash against Milan
Newcastle train ahead of crunch Champions League clash against Milan
Step forward Lewis Miley, the Newcastle youngster who made such an impression last season. In fact, he played so much football in the 2023-24 campaign that United have been very cautious when it comes to his workload this time around, particularly after a lengthy injury absence in the first half of the season.
However, this could be the time to give the Academy graduate a run in the side, at least until Joeilinton returns to full fitness. Elegant on the ball and not afraid to mix it up, he has shown he can do it at Champions League level, so will not be overawed by the challenge of navigating the difficult fixtures on the horizon.
Promoted Stories
Sven Botman is another who United have not rushed back after his recovery from ACL surgery. The Dutchman was perhaps plunged into the deep end slightly earlier than hoped when Fabian Schar missed two games through suspension, but was a key player in both Carabao Cup semi-final successes over Arsenal and the 2-1 league win at Spurs.
A knee injury – the other knee thankfully – has meant a pause in his comeback, but if fit, he should return to the side as soon as possible. It means a tough decision over who to drop out, with Howe known for preferring a right-foot / left-foot combination in the heart of his defence. That could mean Dan Burn stepping down, although Schar was the man who missed out when Botman started against Wolves in January.
Of course all three started the second leg against Arsenal, with Kieran Trippier preferred to Tino Livramento at right wing-back. The former England star was superb against the Gunners and started against Man City – only to be hooked at the break. Trippier was not alone in having a day to forget, but with Livramento breathing down his neck, knows any lapses in form could be serious.
Powered by
Livramento is very much the future and has had Howe’s backing until he suffered some below-par showings, notably in the 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth. However, while Trippier remains a big asset, the former Chelsea and Southampton youngster could be restored to the starting line-up against Forest.
The fact Newcastle head to Anfield just three days laters will be a factor in Howe’s thinking, but with so few options open to him, getting it right on Sunday will be his priority. Taking winning momentum to Liverpool is huge – whereas facing Arne Slot’s men after another home league defeat would be a big blow to their top five aspirations.
There’s a long way to go yet, and plenty of sides dropping points – but don’t be surprised to see a few changes when the team news lands on Sunday lunchtime.
READ NEXT:
Bryan Mbeumo given Newcastle United transfer advice as Liverpool and Arsenal snubbed
I visited the newest stadium in the country and this is what it could mean for Newcastle United
‘This stunning perfume became my forever favourite and one spray lasts for days’
Ninja kettle and toaster ‘worth every penny’ cut by £50 – but only at one UK retailer
Why Exeter City have ‘some of the best’ tickets for Newcastle vs Liverpool Wembley final
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
