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Howe Finding Ways To Keep His Defenders Involved



With Emil Krafth out of action for six to nine months, Newcastle potentially face an issue at right-back should Kieran Trippier pick up an injury. The club tried to add West Ham’s Harrison Ashby on deadline day but the Hammers wanted to part with their academy product.

The 20-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and sans a new one, West Ham may be more open to selling the right-back in January. He’s certainly one to watch over the next few months to see if he extends his contract.

While Eddie Howe has a dearth of options on the right with just Trippier and Javier Manquillo in tow, the opposite flank paints a far different picture. In fact, Howe seems to rate Dan Burn so highly that he’s found ways to keep the Geordie on the pitch despite the emergence of Sven Botman.

When Matt Targett suffered a minor hamstring injury after the season’s opening weekend, it was Burn to come in at left-back. The 30-year-old kept remained on the left for the next three matches, even after Targett returned for the Wolves draw.

Targett returned to the starting eleven, in the league, at Liverpool which Burn started at center-back with Jamaal Lascelles. The backline was superb against the Reds leaving everything they had out on the pitch.

Howe went back to what is likely his preferred backline this past weekend. Tripper, Fabian Schar, Botman, and Targett all got the nod and played very well. Though Burn came on late for Targett to keep his league appearance streak intact at 22.

Jamal Lewis was on the bench while Paul Dummett was again a no-show. It seems that Howe is determined to keep Burn involved even though Botman may now be ahead of him in the pecking order.

One thing is clear, this defense has been turned from a nightmarish vulnerability into a strength. Newcastle have excellent defenders in tow, who will at varying times be called on to play their part.


103 comments so far

  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:06 AM

    Comment #1

    Lord Scattercash – I really dislike this “championship standard at best” thing that people come up with. If you consider our first choice 11 is probably
    Pope
    Trippier – Schar – Botman – Targett
    Joelinton – Bruno – Willock
    Almiron – Isak – ASM

    Then our backup 11 is probably

    Darlow
    Manq (Krafth if fit) – Lascelles – Burn – Lewis/Dummett
    Murphy (Shelvey if fit) – Anderson – Longstaff
    Ritchie – Wilson – Fraser

    That’s leaving out Wood completely, though you could change formation to get him in.

    Those players in that backup 11 are all good enough to play in the Premier League. That team wouldn’t be good enough to get top half in the Premier League but it’s not rubbish.

    9
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:08 AM

    Comment #2

    Lord Scattercash – and why are people obsessed with Paqueta? There are loads of players in his position and some Toon fans are obsessed with him…why? Because he’s mates with Bruno? Because he came over to Newcastle to see his friend?

    It’s weird to me. People are more bothered about us not signing Paqueta (when there’s no evidence we ever wanted him) than they are about Maddison (who we apparently did try to sign).

    4
  • check the toastie

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:09 AM

    Comment #3

    That backup 11 with Eddie in charge would win the championship. On the proviso that Wilson had somebody elses legs.

    3
  • Dubai Micky

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:11 AM

    Comment #4

    Could be worse, Diego Costa has work permit REJECTED with move to Wolves on brink of collapsing

    5
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:13 AM

    Comment #5

    Check – I think that backup 11 with Eddie in charge would stay up in the Premier League, not accounting for injuries and worse players coming in of course.

    Wilson is good enough for a top 6 team if he wasn’t made of glass.

    0
  • Lord Scattercash

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:16 AM

    Comment #6

    TDS…IMO your 2nd eleven proves my point exactly…I dont think that 2nd 11 would even get out the championship…but thats just my opinion which is obviously very different to yours! 🙂 🙂

    Onwards and upwards!

    0
  • dazzler

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:16 AM

    Comment #7

    Lord Scattercash,

    Joelinton wasn’t even a centre mid 12 months ago, Anderson has done well in the middle when played there and done well wide left when playing there.

    He gets up and down the pitch, puts a tackle in, can beat a man and can pass. To me he’s a centre mid, and already offering more than Willock. He even gets into the box on attacking plays (something we paid £25m for Willock to do!).

    I am not questioning Paqueta’s ability, he’s clearly a fantastic footballer. I am merely offering an alternative scenario where the staff at the club may have felt we needed something different in the centre. Nowt wrong with having two Bruno’s, but we really need someone who will be the link up between MF and Attack and whilst Paqueta can do that job, it’s not really his game, whereas it is Maddison’s, and could be Anderson’s if given enough game time.

    8
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:18 AM

    Comment #8

    Lord Scattercash – just think back to what our best 11 and backup 11 were last year and that will make you smile. 🙂

    Indeed…onwards and upwards!

    2
  • WLtoon

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:18 AM

    Comment #9

    That starting 11 looks decent but for one problem, the midfield is too weak, especially with Longstaff in there.
    That team would be overrun week in week out even by lower half PL teams.
    The front 3 look very good but they wouldn`t be very useful without the service.
    Burn and Lascelles would be working overtime just to keep the scoreline down.

    0
  • dazzler

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:18 AM

    Comment #10

    Lord Scattercash,

    I think that second team is alright, personally. It would definitely get promoted from the championship. Definitely struggle in the premier league without further investment though IMO.

    1
  • Lord Scattercash

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:20 AM

    Comment #11

    Im not obsessed with Paqueta …he’s simply an example of the standard of player we need to be buying…that and the fact he’s gone to west ham is a real shame.

    How often do players of his quality become available?

    Man U used to buy players for 40 million just so nobody else could have them…something to think about in the future!

    3
  • Ronway

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:23 AM

    Comment #12

    The squad for 2022/23 season looks a little light with the current injuries to Shelvey and Krafth coupled with the inclusion of Dummett and Richie.

    https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/23/Newcastle-United/squad

    There is obviously every reason to rely on the judgement of Eddie Howe, etc. but it doesn’t stop the comments and discussions by fans.

    HWTL

    0
  • Charlie in the Gallowgate

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:24 AM

    Comment #13

    For all people know Anderson could be as good as Paqueta or any other midfield player we have been ‘linked’ to
    Nobody has seen him play a full Premiership game as yet
    But what I have seen of him he’ll cement his place in our midfield soon
    The kid oozes class!!!!

    10
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:29 AM

    Comment #14

    Lord Scattercash – and look at where Man Utd are now. Since Fergie left, they’ve been way below the level that their fans expect. Chelsea were also buying lots of expensive players and loaning them out but the rules have changed now to stop that. By the way, an example that shows they do make rules that hurt the big 6 clubs, not just benefit them.

    Yes, Paqueta is an example of the level of player we need to sign but there’s zero evidence that Howe wanted to actually sign him or that Paqueta wanted to come.

    1
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:29 AM

    Comment #15

    Anderson… Do you think he can be a puppet master in midfield. If so Sooty, Sweep or Brains?

    0
  • snowdone

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:31 AM

    Comment #16

    Can you help me,please? How do I communicate with Neil/Ed privately? Is anyone going to Fulham on 1st October? Thanks.

    0
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:31 AM

    Comment #17

    Actually, As we have a fairly decent woman’s team, maybe Aqua Marina. The transfer price may sting

    0
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:32 AM

    Comment #18

    Ronway – Discussion is absolutely fine mate, and it’s all happening today civilly and constructively. All good.

    As I’ve said before, you can only really judge the squad based on what you expect the squad to achieve. I think the squad as a whole is good enough to get a finish of 8th, which I think should be the realistic target this season. It will still be tough to get that but that’s what I hope they’ll achieve and what I’ll be happy with. For any fans dreaming of top 4/6, then they’re right that the squad is too thin to get those positions. Which is exactly why I don’t think we will.

    2
  • WLtoon

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:32 AM

    Comment #19

    Looking at that team again, it would be relegated, no doubt about it.
    Wilson , our only hope of a decent goal tally in that team would be injured for half a season.
    Ritchie, Dummett, Murphy and Longstaff would just about cut it in the champo imo, and i`m nervous when Darlow is between the sticks.
    Bottom 3

    1
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:32 AM

    Comment #20

    ANYTHING can happen in the next half hour. I may get Scarlet fever

    0
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:33 AM

    Comment #21

    snowdone – I might be going to the Fulham game, as might Pug and DrGloom. But it doesn’t look like we can get 3 tickets together. I’m probably going to be sitting with my Fulham ST holder friend and her friends.

    1
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:34 AM

    Comment #22

    Snowy, look on right hand side of blog. Contact details to admin there

    0
  • Ronway

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:35 AM

    Comment #23

    Elliot Anderson is slightly older than Harvey Elliot (Liverpool) who, while I was really disappointed with the Liverpool result, I thought was impressive.

    If they are good enough they are old enough; time will tell!

    2
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:36 AM

    Comment #24
  • Toon fans bad

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:36 AM

    Comment #25

    I think we’re forgetting to take into account other teams strengthening also. 1st 11 went proper toe to toe with Citeh. We had a few 1st teamers deficient for Liverpool, but performed admirably in parts. The bindippers also had 1st teamers deficient.
    I’m still sticking with 8th though as I think it’s definitely achievable, but it’ll be hard work!

    5
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:38 AM

    Comment #26

    WL. I don’t think any team has run over us in midfield this season. I would actually state the reverse.

    0
  • snowdone

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:38 AM

    Comment #27

    TDS, thanks for that. My Fulham schoolfriend invited me down to the game, but then told me he could not get me a ticket. It’s impossible through the Newcastle box office of course so if anyone can help me buy one I would appreciate it.

    Very civil start to the blog this morning. I agree with your squad assessment for a top ten finish as well.

    2
  • Wor B

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:40 AM

    Comment #28

    If Costa doesn’t end up at Wolves, maybe WHU might go for him?

    Costa Paqueta Rice

    A bargain!

    7
  • Charlie in the Gallowgate

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:40 AM

    Comment #29

    Anderson was myMOM against Atalanta ran the show talked shouted pointed at players where he wanted them to go very good on the ball and ball carrying won penalty
    And on Saturday was shouting and pointing where he wanted Longstaff to move

    6
  • magicmac54

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:42 AM

    Comment #30

    Morning Lads

    Looking forward to seeing that Celtic v Real Madrid game on BT Sports tonight, no doubt there will be an incredible atmosphere, my old man God Bless him was a dyed in the wool fanatical hoops fan, he would have loved this match tonight. Other news thats my mate and myself sorted for tickets for the Toon v Brentford game on the 8th of October, simply can`t wait counting down the days HWTL

    1
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:43 AM

    Comment #31

    snowdone – I doubt I can help I’m afraid. But if something does come up, I’ll let you know for sure. Any extra tickets I find will go to DrGloom and Pug first but you’re next on the list if possible. I expect I’ll be useless though…

    If you do get to go, definitely let one of us know. Even if none of us can sit together, we might be able to meet for a drink before or after the game.

    0
  • Raj of Hailsley

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:44 AM

    Comment #32

    snowdone,
    I have put the feelers out for three tickets for TDSarf, Puglet and DrGloom but there’s a bit of a waiting list from lads who use the bus more often than I do, I only get to two or three away games a season and last year I only used the bus for one of them. I’m a little bit down the pecking order. I had no joy in trying to get beermonkey for Brighton last month.

    1
  • ToonDarnSarf

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:45 AM

    Comment #33

    I don’t think our official 25 man squad has been announced yet and I think it often takes a few days after the window closes for them to be made public.

    24 of the squad are totally obvious but the 25th is interesting. Could be Shelvey if there’s a chance he’ll be fit before the World Cup or could be left free in case there’s a free transfer out there than we want/need. Anderson doesn’t take up a squad space and there’s no point in registering Krafth for the first half of the season.

    0
  • Raj of Hailsley

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:45 AM

    Comment #34

    One of the best away days I’ve ever had that day at Fulham on Rafa’s last game.

    5
  • Raj of Hailsley

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:47 AM

    Comment #35

    I don’t think Krafth will play this season at all unfortunately, glad for him Sweden never made the World Cup as that would have been a double blow.

    0
  • WLtoon

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:48 AM

    Comment #36

    Pug,

    There are at least 5 players in that 11 who fans think should be sold or aren`t rated yet you think it would survive in the PL?
    Take into account that our only goal threat, Wilson, would do well to play 20 games, where would the goals come from to pick us up enough points to survive?
    Ritchie and Dummett are finished in the PL, Murphy just doesn`t cut it in the PL, and the less about Longstaff said the better.
    That second 11 just highlights even more just how weak our squad is..
    eh is a fantastic coach but he ain`t a magician.

    1
  • Ronway

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:51 AM

    Comment #38

    Raj – #35

    I’m not sure if I’m missing something but why would EH include Krafth (and Shelvey) in his squad if he didn’t think he would play again this season?

    0
  • Raj of Hailsley

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:52 AM

    Comment #39

    Ronway,
    Is it not a 25 man squad?

    0
  • Raj of Hailsley

    Sep 6, 2022 at 11:53 AM

    Comment #40

    Ronway, is that recent, surely Krafth wouldn’t be in the first half season squad, they’ve said he’s out for six months at least.

    0


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