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
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:07 PM
Comment #81After the 100’s of stunts Ashley pulled, Bruce’s contract, Fun88 and generally running us in to the ground for 14 years, some people are still dwelling on the fact a manager sold two players to fund a relegation battle five years ago. Are some people never happy.
Raj of Hailsley
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:08 PM
Comment #82jimiley,
Whoosh!
Tinos Vino
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:10 PM
Comment #83Andy Carroll to wolves if they dont get Costa. God the press are desperate for some news/clickbait
WLtoon
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:11 PM
Comment #84Aye Raj, you are right, some people will never be happy, they were put on this planet to moan regardless
snowdone
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:12 PM
Comment #85And Sven Botman shares a birthday with me, albeit 47 years apart!
WLtoon
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:12 PM
Comment #86Wolves must be desperate anarl if they have Carroll in their thoughts, jeez.
Tinos Vino
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:15 PM
Comment #87hers one as i duck for cover who would you have Carroll or Wood…
Tinos Vino
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:16 PM
Comment #88This work permit part is going to play with quite a few clubs. gap in the market to take even more money out of the game with a work permit consultancy…
Assassins Inc
Sep 6, 2022 at 1:28 PM
Comment #89I don’t really care why we sold Mitro and Toney.
I just don’t understand why we kept Gayle over both of them.
Seems strange considering what both of them are doing now.
Romford mag
Sep 6, 2022 at 4:28 PM
Comment #90Martoon
Pos – isak
Tgs – isak
Goals scored by TGS – 16
Thanks 🙂
Swablr
Sep 6, 2022 at 4:34 PM
Comment #91Martoon…..My change,
Top Goal Scorer Isak (Surprise !)
That’s all ta.
magicmac54
Sep 6, 2022 at 4:58 PM
Comment #92Martoon My Change
Top goal scorer Isak
Goals scored by TGS = 15
Cheers Martoon
Brussels
Sep 6, 2022 at 6:35 PM
Comment #93Martoon – my updates:
Player of the season- Pope
Top goal scorer- Isak
Number of goals—13
simon376
Sep 6, 2022 at 8:55 PM
Comment #94Martoon
Can I change my top scorer to Isak please with 16 goals
B1GSTEVE
Sep 6, 2022 at 10:12 PM
Comment #95Martoon, please change my tgs to Isak. Thank you.
Ace50
Sep 6, 2022 at 10:28 PM
Comment #96Martoon. My updates:
TGS – Isak
No. of goals – 19
ottawageordie2
Sep 6, 2022 at 10:38 PM
Comment #97Martoon
I’d like to change mine to Issac
carltoon
Sep 7, 2022 at 12:56 AM
Comment #98MARTOON please change my
TGS Izak
No. Of goals scored 15
A Geordie Mongrel
Sep 7, 2022 at 11:40 AM
Comment #99Martoon, my utterly predictable change,
Top Goal Scorer Isak.
Many thanks. 🙂
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 7, 2022 at 6:44 PM
Comment #100Martoon – also fairly predictable change from me
PoS – Isak
TGS – Isak
Goals scored by TGS – 15
Thanks!
Great White Hunter
Sep 11, 2022 at 6:16 PM
Comment #101Martoon, can you amend my top goal scorer to Isaac 17 goals, thanks. GWH
Dubai Micky
Sep 11, 2022 at 8:46 PM
Comment #102Martoon – my very predictable changes
PoS – Isak
TGS – Isak
Goals scored by TGS – 18
Thanks
Adamn_92
Sep 12, 2022 at 9:58 AM
Comment #103Martoon
Changes to prediction:
POS: Nick Pope
TGS: Isak
Goals scored by TGS: 14