Alan Shearer believes it will be a “big ask” for Newcastle to be fully recovered for tonight’s crucial clash with Sheffield United less than 72 hours after our gruelling extra time defeat to Arsenal on Saturday night.
Six Toon players played the whole 120 minutes at the Emirates – the last thing Steve Bruce would have wanted just a few days before a match many are describing as a must-win.
This has worried Shearer, who had this to say ahead of our trip to Bramall Lane against the league’s whipping boys:
“They go into Tuesday’s match at six ‘o clock, which is going to be a big ask for a lot of these players.”
“It was a tough night for Newcastle, they had the chances.
“They had two very good chances and the game could have and should have been wrapped up – and it’s been a tough night not only with the defeat but with extra time.
Our big squad allowed Bruce to rest several key players – notably Callum Wilson – but there will be a few, such as Miguel Almiron and Isaac Hayden, who have busy roles in our side and will likely feature again tonight.
It’s not ideal preparation, but top flight footballers are fit as fleas and should be able to play two games in the space of a few days – especially when a few likely to start against Chris Wilder’s side were rested over the weekend.
That said, a Blades side in DESPERATE need for a win will be aware that we come into this one after tiring badly in the final stages of extra time vs Arsenal, so you can bet they’ll be looking to outrun us in a bid to get their first three points of the season.
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