With a <strong>League Cup win</strong> that ended a 70-year drought and a “monumental”—as Eddie Howe termed it—return to Champions League football, Newcastle United is set to enter the 2025/26 Premier League season with lots of momentum. What can their hopeful fanbase expect from Eddie Howe’s side? Here are five things every Magpies fan should watch closely this season.
1. Alexander Isak’s Form and Future
Over the past few years, we have hardly seen a player enamour the Toon Army as Alexander Isak has. Amidst rumours of a transfer and several pressing offers, Newcastle United remains firm: “he is not for sale”. With 23 goals in the 2024/25 season, the 25-year-old is laying claim to a spot as one of Europe’s top forwards. The leading Irish bookies for EPL fans have taken notice as well, with odds of 5/1 for Newcastle to win the league—odds that are highly affected by Isak’s form and future in the club. We are looking forward to seeing how his chemistry with Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimarães will affect Newcastle’s attacking prowess.
2. Midfield Mastery
Newcastle’s midfield proved to be a hard nut to crack last season, with a strong trio: Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali. This trio is the real driving force behind Newcastle’s recent form. While they struggled to find harmony at the beginning of the season, especially after Tonali’s 10-month betting ban, the upturn in the Magpies’ form is proof that Eddie Howe’s strategy is working. As the new campaign approaches, we are looking forward to how Howe juggles this trio to maintain freshness and improve form through the relentless winter fixtures.
3. Squad Depth and Rotation
Winter is fast approaching, and the search for a striker has intensified on Tyneside, as squad depth becomes a necessity. Having missed out on João Pedro, the Magpies have renewed their interest in French striker Hugo Ekitike. Though the £55 million-signed Anthony Elanga and Antonia Cordero are great options for the flanks, in the centre, it’s Isak or nobody. Will Eddie Howe trust youth prospects like Lewis Miley and William Osula? Or will the club dip back into the transfer market before the window closes? The Toon Army will need to watch out for this, as Howe’s decisions will affect Newcastle’s ability to play on different fronts.
4. Howe’s Tactical Evolution
Newcastle’s head coach’s increased adaptability has given the club a slew of wins, and he has built the team a reputation for tactical intelligence and progressive football. Eddie Howe knows when to shift from a high-pressing style to a more possession-based approach. This season, we are looking forward to more tactical acumen, especially in decisive fixtures. Maybe we will switch up from the 4-3-3 tactic and go towards a 3-4-3 system.
5. The Return of the Tyne-Wear Derby
Following the release of the Premier League season’s calendar, it has been officially confirmed that the Tyne-Wear derby is back! Sunderland will host Newcastle on December 13 at the Stadium of Light. The return game will take place at St. James’ Park, with the Toon Army in full swing. These are more than matches—they are a representation of history, games that go beyond the football field. As the season approaches, we can look forward to one of England’s most passionate football rivalries.
