Following what has felt like an international break that has lasted an eternity, Newcastle United return to Premier League action in a desperate attempt to kickstart their stuttering season. And what better way to attempt to do that than against a side, and a manager, whom Howe has only managed to overcome once in 18 attempts as both Newcastle United and Bournemouth manager.
If there was relative calm during the international break, then we are entering the storm of a punishing and hectic schedule with 3 games a week the norm now until the end of January. Such a gruelling schedule has its upsides though, as any modicum of momentum generated can be carried into the following game, and with the opportunity for redemption for any defeats right around the corner.
Following a miserable period of reflection over what has been two dreadful away performances in the league, Howe and the lads will be keen to put this right, with three points at home to City the perfect antidote to our sickly league form thus far this season.
Recent form:
It is almost pointless looking at our recent form beyond our last few league games going into the international break. But for context, United have lost 3 of their previous 5 league games, including abysmal away performances against West Ham and Brentford in which we took the lead both times before meekly succumbing to 3-1 defeats. It should be noted that all 3 defeats came away from home, with home victories against Forest and Fulham in the league, as well as against Spurs in the cup, and Benfica and Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League putting a glossier spin on things.
The league is our bread and butter though, and quite frankly, our league form has not been up to scratch.
Manchester City, by contrast, have not been beaten since August. Have lost only twice in the league all season, have won their last 8 games in all competitions including an impressive 3-0 thumping of league champions Liverpool last time out. Their top scorer, Erling Haaland, already has 14 league goals and it isn’t even December.
Team news:
- Anthony Gordon is nearing a return from a hip injury that forced him to withdraw from the last England squad, and will face a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow’s game.
- Nick Pope has passed concussion protocols, has trained, and is expected to return between the sticks.
- Sandro Tonali returned early from international duty with Italy but is available for selection.
- Lewis Hall is expected to come in at left-back for the suspended Dan Burn.
- Tino Livramento has trained with the squad and is nearing a return to full fitness.
- Yoane Wissa has yet to train with the squad and will not feature tomorrow.
- Will Osula is due to see a specialist over the ankle injury that has kept him out of recent games. He is expect to miss the upcoming few weeks.
Predicted XI:
What did Eddie say:
On current injuries:
“Anthony is very close, he has worked well during the break, he will be touch and go for the game.”
“Sandro is fine”
“Nick [Pope] has trained, no problems with that”
On Manchester City
“Really tough fixture, we know Manchester City’s qualities. We want a raucous St James’ Park the home support has been incredible this season. We’re looking forward to the match; we have a lot to prove to ourselves after the last couple of away games in the Premier League which have been really disappointing. We’re desperately keen to put that right and get our Premier League form back on track”
On Lewis Hall
“Lewis is a very driven human being, for someone so young he has a great mentality, he wants to play, make a difference, wants to help the team. He has standout qualities, and we’ve really missed those qualities since he’s been injured. But for someone so young we’ve had to be really careful with him and try to get him back onto the pitch when he’s close to 100% fit and that gives him the best chance of staying fit. Especially with the schedule coming up we’re going to have to manage him at times, but he’s a real talent”
On Tino Livramento
“He’s very close, he’s trained during this international break which has been great to see, such an important player for us, great to have him back. He’s been out a while, and his injury has been serious enough for us to make sure we treat him well. He’s done a lot of work, he’s been very good professionally, in terms of how he has dealt with the injury and the work he has done with the physios, so I’d say he’s in very good shape.”
On Yoane Wissa:
“He’s working well. He’s not back training with us yet but he’s close. He’s working with the sports science team and almost entering a pre-season with them currently. He’s done a lot of work, he’s looked good and looked better with every session. He’s close to training with us but before he gets to there it’s difficult to give you a return date.”
On Premier League form:
“We know that our Premier League form has not been good enough, we take full responsibility for that. All we can do then is work really hard and try to work really clever, to try and find the right solutions, find the right balance in the team and find a new way forward. As long as I can see my team executing what I ask them to do and as long as I see full effort from everybody, then we take what happens. I do believe that we are good enough, if we deliver those things, to get a lot of points.”
Key battles:
- Containing Haaland in the box: Haaland can score all types of goals in all manner of ways. However, with Burn suspended, we have lost our most potent aerial defender, leaving a big task for Botman and Thiaw to match him both on the ground and in the air. We will need our centre-back pairing in-sync, with tight spacing between the two with good defensive screening from midfield to prevent Haaland getting isolated.
- Newcastle United’s right side vs City’s left: Should Trippier start at right-back, Manchester City will likely try to pin him back and capitalise on his lack of mobility like they did to great effect in last season’s 4-0 drubbing at the Etihad.
- Taking advantage of transition: Our best route to goal against this City side is rapid fast breaks, especially if City push their fullbacks high. Having Barnes and Murphy attacking their attacking channels can hurt City before they have a chance to reset. The key will be the first pass after regaining possession, it has to be brave, it has to be early, it has to be accurate. Having accurate passers in Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Sandro and Bruno on the ball recycling possession will be key.
Prediction and what to expect:
Howe’s record against Pep is abysmal. Newcastle United longer-term record against Pep isn’t much better. We’re in woeful form. They’re riding high. So naturally, expect a performance for the ages and the Toon to come out on top…not really. While the heart may say “why not?”, the head is saying “no chance”.
Expect our league woes to continue with an easy City win.
Newcastle United 0 – 2 Manchester City
