A huge eight days for Newcastle United is upon us.
It all starts with an FA Cup with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday night, but after that comes a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester next Tuesday and a Premier League meeting with an in-form Fulham side a week on Sunday.
The Owls are on the up and have enjoyed a superb start to the season, sitting second in League One. They’ve lost just once in the league since early October and have scored seven goals in their last two games at Hillsborough, so they’re a side in form.
Back to Eddie Howe’s Mags, I believe we made another statement in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal. OK, we didn’t create a great deal and lacked quality on the ball at times, but we stopped the Gunners scoring for the first time this season and became the first Premier League team to come away from the Emirates with a result in 2022/23.
The challenge now is how a full of confidence yet fatigued squad challenges on three front, with crucial FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Premier League games all to come over the next week.
Speaking to the press on Friday morning, here’s what Howe had to say ahead of our trip to Sheffield:
“We want an FA Cup run. I’d take the congested fixtures that’d bring. It’s down to me to get balance right of how we prepare this game and team we pick. We want to get through but we have another cup game next Tuesday.
“These games are so difficult. There is no guarantee you will win. The biggest thing for us is how we approach the game and the mentality of the team I do pick – their motivation levels, their professionalism, their desire.
“This is going to be a very difficult game. I’ve watched a lot of Sheffield Wednesday. They’re a very good team having a great season. So we are under no illusions this is a difficult task, made all the more difficult if we’re not in the right place ourselves.”
Team news
Alexander Isak could return to the squad after resuming first-team training this week, but there’ll be no Jonjo Shelvey (calf), Matt Targett (heel), Emil Krafth (ACL) or Paul Dummett (calf).
Howe revealed on Friday morning that he’s yet to pick his team. He’s hinted at rotation to give fringe players an opportunity, but is conscious of getting the balance right after our last FA Cup fixture under the 45-year-old ended in a shock defeat to Cambridge at St James’ Park.
For the Owls, key midfielder Barry Bannan has been ruled out by Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Manquillo, Lascelles, Botman, Lewis – Longstaff, Joelinton, Anderson – Murphy, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
It’s not like Eddie Howe to make so many changes – he’s largely stuck with the same side in recent weeks – but with three games in eight days and a massive cup quarter final to think about next Tuesday, this feels like the perfect time to rotate.
Dubravka has returned for game time and rarely let us down before Pope’s arrival, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the nod in goal.
At full-back, we probably need to wrap Burn and Trippier in cotton wool given our lack of depth down both flanks. Jamal Lewis is finally fit again and in a “good place” according to Howe, meaning he and Manquillo may be handed a rare chance to impress.
At the back, Botman could stay in the side to help cope with their physicality alongside Jamaal Lascelles; the club captain who’s been praised for his behind the scenes professionalism this week.
In midfield, Willock limped off with cramp at Arsenal and Bruno – who also looked leggy on Tuesday – is another who needs to be protected. I can see Longstaff keeping his place alongside Joelinton, with Elliot Anderson starting alongside them in a midfield three.
Up top, this could be an ideal chance for Allan Saint-Maximin to show Howe what he’s been missing, with Chris Wood and Jacob Murphy in contention to replace Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron; two others who may be saved for next week’s double header at St James’ Park.
Prediction
Wednesday are in good form and will be gunning for an FA Cup upset in front of the BBC cameras, but this Newcastle United side are fit, full of confidence and rarely let complacency slip into their game these days.
Anderson and Wood to score in a comfortable win for Eddie’s Mags!
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Newcastle
That team looks about right although Man U and Everton are playing full strength teams today. There has been a lot of talk about Eddie not liking Lewis, but he was injured FFS and eventually needed an operation. He was a star in The Championship which is a level up from Sheff Wed. If he is not that rusty I can see him having a good game.
If Wood scores, look for his numerous detractors to say that is his level 🙂
Sean needs a goal to get the misses against Leeds out of his mind.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We have been looking at young talent. Ivan Fresneda is close to signing an 18 yr old RB providing long term cover.
Two others have been mentioned which if we could pull off would be amazing.
Georgio Scalvini is a 19 yr old RCB who could well Be Botman’s long term partner.
More urgently Alan Varela is a 21 yr DM a number 6 which we desperately need and he is possibly ready to play. I’m sure that Amrabat would be most peoples choice, but if we are only buying one star player this window they may spend elsewhere.
I don’t think Youri Tielemens from Leics is a natural No 6 and as a number 8 is not a great upgrade (Maddison would be).
I’d rather have a new 7/11 (Diaby/Thuram) meaning we could use Big Joe as a no 8
PremAndUp(Quote)
So, I looked at the Daily Mirror football page and scrolled through at least 100 stories. It is like we don’t exist. The only mention we got was because the Arsenal players got in trouble whilst playing us.
Most covered were:
Man U
Lampard
Liverpool
City
Beckham
Arsenal
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I havent had much fun in the last few days. I caught some sort of stomach bug and threw up everything I consumed for 48 hours, including water. I finally was able to sip on Chamomile tea after 60 hrs. Now after 72 hrs I might try to eat something.
I always thought that when people said they had stomach flu it was an excuse coz they had a hangover. I might believe them next time because I had no booze for days before I got this 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I havent had anything like this before. It was giving be stomach, intestinal and bowl cramps.
I am guessing it would have to have got worse to get a Drs appointment in the UK and then I woudnt get there because of trains strikes!
Me Mam tells me that to see a Dr in the UK you have to be like one of the 1st 100 callers and then they shut it down.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric your mums not wrong, our health and social care system is broken. I live in fear of Lew needing an ambulance or hospital stay now, it’s terrifying.
As for your tummy bug, my daughter had the exact same thing back in november, took her over 2 weeks for her stomach and bowel to return to normal.
kimtoon(Quote)
Tough game today, wonder how motivated Dubs is now he’s back.
kimtoon(Quote)
Gonna be difficult to watch the match properly as the time clashes with Lews mealtime and PC, not easy to change as he has meds with food and time sensitive. An 7.30pm kick off would of suited me better or an afternoon kickoff.
kimtoon(Quote)
Wednesday will be well up for this cup tie! We need to be very careful that it’s not a banana skin for us. We will lose at some point, although I go into every match now expecting a win and at worst, a draw against the better teams. I hope they don’t get complacent as they have in the past (Cambridge) …
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Kim, perhaps record it and watch later when you can? But you’ll have to shut off media etc to avoid spoilers!
Agree on your NHS comments too. It’s broken, and Covid was the straw that broke the camel’s back… it’s not a quick fix either 😬😔. Hope Lew is ok and you won’t need to call on any help! Take care! 🤗
Gilly Toon(Quote)
kim – iplayer!
georgio(Quote)
3rd round day my favourite day of the football calendar
Some surprises in that team and bench. More evidence Howe gives nowt away in press calls and also he’s serious about cups. Good for him on both counts
Isak starting is tasty 😋 and now eliot and Lewis fit again I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring.
Willock almiron and burn looked out on their feet in tuesday so hopefully not needed today unless to give joelinton a break who also looked tired
HWTL
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Shef Wed was always the hardest shiny Pannini sticker for me to get – just an interesting fact I thought I’d share with you 😂.
Always had a soft spot for Wed growing up – loved Wardle and Des Walker – and I remember watching them out in Spain when SEENTUN played for them 😂.
One of the big clubs when I was young who fell away and have never come back. Would love to see it though – Forest did so maybe one day.
Don’t know what to expect from SW but want to see big games from Lewis, Anderson & Isak for us 🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
I used to drink with Chris Wardle in Whickham when I was older – him Shay Given & Keith Gillespie who both lived in Whickham too – just another Interesting fact for you all 🤷🏼♂️👍🏻
Sharpy17(Quote)
Is Maxi on his way out of toon??
Icedog(Quote)
Recording it and trying to watch where I can.
kimtoon(Quote)
Can’t help it, I’m excited.
Grand old stadium that screams cup ties that I have many happy memories from visiting . I sooo wish I was there
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
effin hell that throw in
kimtoon(Quote)
*** what a save
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice – defo feels like it doesn’t it?!, unless he’s been held back for the Leicester game (expected to be the tougher of the 2).
If he doesn’t start that one I think he’s a gonna.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Our passing has been very poor so far.
I know there’s big changes to the team & they won’t be used to playing with each other – but the basics should be there regardless & the passing hasn’t been great at all.
On a positive note, I’ve been really impressed with Isak in the early stages of the game. Don’t imagine he’ll last the full 90 but I really like what I see.
I think Manq has done quite well too to be fair. I know we’re looking for a RB but he’s not shabby like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I am shocked to see Isak. I thought Eddie would have been cautious with him.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think I’ve said on here before about my boys total lack of interest in football – he’s just sat down and asked if that’s Gordon Ramsey (Matt Ritchie) 😂😂😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: didnt Gordon Ramsey lie about playing for Rangers. I think he was in their youth system but acted like he was a 1st teamer.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
No TV coverage in the US so I am listening to a “watchalong” with Toon Review. Better than nothing, but only just. The main Guy is doing what he always does and scapegoating players. This week it is Murphy and Lascelles because Wood isnt playing.
He might be right but it gets on my t!ts when all he sees are the negatives.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well that was a tough first half. Missed a few chances there like! Hope we don’t regret them. A few very sloppy passes on our side too! 😬😬. Need to sort that out.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Passing inconsistent with slick, sloppy and some obviously bad errors but Newcastle look mostly comfortable if not fully convincing
Two big chances for isak and a mis control when he might’ve been through and two Murphy hesitations whenn1v1 are a little frustrating
Full backs are an interesting look .. lots of pace on both sides but not the quality of trippier or resoluteness of burn
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Eric .. ESpN+ apparently (altho I’m on iPlayer at home)
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Oh dear. Def offside that goal no VAR. Ho-hum
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
This is such a frustrating watch man!!!!
The passing is awful. Not impressed with Anderson one bit. He and Longstaff had their pants down and Lewis was poor too.
No sentiment now. If we want to be a top team it’s time to replace those that simply aren’t good enough.
Sharpy17(Quote)
ffs
kimtoon(Quote)
Now that one was 5h1t as the sloppiness continues
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I’ll be going on a rant at the end of this game regardless of the outcome
Sharpy17(Quote)
more bite to us now with Bruno and Tripps
kimtoon(Quote)
Get in. Easy finish in the end from guimaraes but he did so well to kill the ball initially as it bounced out to him
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Chris fucking Wood is the worst fucking forward I have ever seen in a black & white fucking shirt!!!.
THE WORST!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wow .. this website doesn’t allow cr4p but does allow fucking
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
We must have one of the worst FA Cup records of any top flight club.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I do love a cup upset I just wish Newcastle weren’t on the wrong end of so many of them
A reminder that investment in squad is necessary if not in jan then in the summer but we all know that
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Pathetic!!.
I know the fixtures are thick & fast and we have a big game on Tuesday, but Howe got that starting 11 wrong.
If ASM was ill or injured then fair enough – but if not where was he???.
Just proves our squad is nowhere near good enough – and that lack of quality is far too close to the starting 11 for my liking
Sharpy17(Quote)
Our focus should NOT be RB – Manq proved he’s decent enough back up for now.
Our midfield is in desperate need of improvement – DESPERATELY!!.
There’s around 8 players in this squad that need replacing before we need to worry about RB.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shocking. Just horrible. So sloppy and we are so lacking in depth. I’d rather us have an actually tree instead of Wood. So angry right now. Murphy wasted several chances too 😡😡😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Whats happened to us in front of goal, it’s worrying, we couldn’t stop scoring before Christmas . I blame the WC it’s ruined our momentum.
And Wood was hapless today .
kimtoon(Quote)