It looks like an age since our 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, however fortunately that’s the final worldwide break we’ll should cope with till March subsequent yr!
I received’t miss them, particularly after three already this season, but it surely was an excellent break for a few of our gamers. Gordon and Tonali scored for his or her international locations for the primary time, Corridor and Livramento each made their full England debuts, Isak and Almiron each discovered the web and Miley impressed for the Younger Lions’ U21 aspect.
Those that weren’t away on worldwide obligation nonetheless jetted off, with the squad spending a couple of days in Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather coaching camp earlier than returning to Tyneside for Monday evening’s conflict with West Ham.
After three wins on the spin and an outstanding comeback win in opposition to Forest final outing, this looks like an enormous likelihood to kick on and alternative to maintain the momentum going in opposition to a Hammers aspect who’ve completely underwhelmed this season regardless of spending large, recruiting some high quality gamers and appointing Julen Lopetegui; who isn’t far off the sack in line with reviews.
Howe’s pre-match feedback
Howe on Saudi journey – “It was an excellent week. It was good to spend a while with the group. Three intense days in Saudi. The gamers labored exhausting each in coaching and commercially. The hole between video games was longer than perhaps we’d need however I feel we’ve been ready to make use of the time correctly.”
Howe on the England call-ups – “All of us watched the (England vs Republic of Eire) recreation collectively on the resort we had been in in Saudi. There was an unlimited quantity of pleasure watching them, not simply carry out however how properly they carried out and the way they contributed to the win. It was an important factor to see, and nice to see Anthony rating his first purpose.”
Group information
Dan Burn is suspended for this one after choosing up his fifth yellow card of the season on the Metropolis Floor two weeks in the past, that means Lloyd Kelly appears set to return in at centre-back.
There “is an opportunity” Callum Wilson returns if he comes by coaching OK over the following few days, whereas Kieran Trippier is “barely nearer” after coaching this week. Emil Krafth, nonetheless, is dealing with 6-8 weeks out after
Predicted XI: Pope – Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Corridor – Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock – Gordon, Isak, Joelinton.
Now we have loads of choices – Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes each helped change the sport within the second half at Forest and will probably be pushing for begins – however I feel Howe will stick by the vast majority of the 11 who began our final recreation, with Kelly in for the absent Burn our solely predicted change.
Match prediction: Newcastle 3-1 West Ham
Whereas we come into this with momentum, three wins on the spin, Isak scoring targets for enjoyable and Gordon, Corridor and Livramento buoyed from an enormous week with England, West Ham are out of kinds, haven’t received any of their final 5 on the highway and could also be one other unhealthy efficiency away from sacking Julen Lopetegui.
We will’t take them evenly – they nonetheless have loads of high quality in Bowen, Paqueta and Summerville – however I feel we’ll see an Isak brace and 3-1 win to maneuver us up the desk and Lopetegui one other step nearer to the sack.
Howay the lads!