Newcastle are back at it tomorrow evening with a tough match at Crystal Palace. Eddie Howe will likely alter his preferred eleven despite the revelation Bruno will be available.
Craig Hope is reporting on Twitter that the influential midfielder has recovered enough to make the trip to Selhurst Park which is outstanding news. Though Howe will most likely proceed with caution and save him as an impact sub.
Joelinton will likely slot into the midfield three with Sean Longstaff sitting deep. Howe’s decision could be down to starting either Allan Saint-Maximin or Alexander Isak with a potential change of shape.
I suspect Howe will go with Saint-Maximin in the familiar 4-3-3. The Frenchman was an automatic starter prior to his hamstring injury in August. Howe initially went with Saint-Maximin after Bruno’s removal against Fulham.
This is the team I am predicting Howe will name tomorrow with the lone, somewhat forced change. Isak and Guimaraes can potentially get a lengthy cameo depending on how the night unfolds.
Howe did throw out a scenario during his press conference this morning which alluded to Isak playing on the left. Howe stated Alex’s versatility was a primary factor in his capture and that he can play on the left; though he admitted it wasn’t his best position.
Returning Saint-Maximin back to the starting eleven could reignite the Frenchman, who hasn’t had much of an impact since returning from his injury. A league start could be just what he needs to rediscover his form, which would be a timely boost for the second half of the season.
Loading ...
306 comments so far
The Prince's Mate
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:18 PM
Comment #41Why isn’t Isak in the starting lineup?…strange
Ap
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:21 PM
Comment #4215 points deduction for juventus not sure if its straight away or after appeal hearing
Ap
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:23 PM
Comment #43Howe saying he hopes club is looking to sign replacement. Doesn’t he have any say?
IrishRob
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:26 PM
Comment #44I’ve a funny feeling Wood will do very well at Forest, maybe even bag 10 goals.
I really think his problem here was psychological, either he felt intimated or the fact we all shot him down every time he missed, played on his mind. As much as this is great club to play for, it’s an absolutely awful club to play for if you’re not doing well. The fan pressure just gets worse and worse.
I wish him all the best and hope he does well either way.
The Prince's Mate
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:27 PM
Comment #45Hi Munster, I’ve found the player re Toon Leeds Forest
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:27 PM
Comment #46Nicky,
I see your point and I understand why many people don’t see Burn as an LB (and certainly not a LWB) but we have a ton of clean sheets from him playing as LB.
Then we have Targett, Dummett and Lewis, so in order to sign a LB we need to shift two of them.
West Lancs Geordie
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:27 PM
Comment #47Most of my mates round here are Evertonians and I agree we don’t want DCL because he will just be another sick note and is not in the same league as Wilson (who is also injury prone). I wouldn’t entertain Anthony Gordon either , he has not got the right character to succeed at the Toon. But little surprised Eddie let Wood go before he got a replacement. Surely he, Ashworth and the Board have an upgrade on the radar. Hopefully the young 18 year old from Dortmund. I wouldn’t entertain anyone from Chelsea as they are going to be looking to offload a good number apart from perhaps the American Pulisic. He looked good at the World Cup.
I’d sign Fresnada from Villarreal .He’s young and would quickly learn and improve with Tripps. The other guy I’d go for would be Amrabat The Moroccan), a real team player. I know he wouldn’t be cheap but his temperament would suit NUFC and he would fit in well.
Romford mag
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:28 PM
Comment #48The young 18 year old from Dortmund has signed a new contract I think?
jane
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:29 PM
Comment #49Nottingham Wood
Romford mag
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:30 PM
Comment #50Sher wood forest
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:31 PM
Comment #51Some odd posts now.
TPM – we don’t actually know if Isak is or is not in the starting line up. Everyone is just predicting the line up.
AP – What is Howe supposed to say? Of course he has a huge say in any transfers and probably knows far more than he lets on to the media. I don’t see anything wrong with that.
DayvanCowboy
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:34 PM
Comment #52For me, perfect end to this window would look like:
Marcus Thuram – Signed perm. (6 months remaining on contract) – Like Isak offers so much more as he can play down the middle or out wide, huge upgrade on Wood.
Matheus Franca – Signed perm.
Ryan Gravenberch – Loan from Bayern Munich with option to buy – can play as a 6 or 8 – hasn’t made a single start for Bayern since his summer move and has played a little over 177 Minutes in the league, Bayern have also just signed Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig in the same position.
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:34 PM
Comment #53Correct Rom, Moukoko has apparently signed a new contract at Dortmund. Pity as he would be a great signing.
IrishRob
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:35 PM
Comment #54The DCL links have to be complete bs, because there is just no way in hell our club buys that walking wounded joke of a footballer. They guy hasn’t seen a football pitch for more than a few minutes over the last 3 years with injuries, quite literally.
I couldn’t in my wildest dreams imagine any club would buy him even in the January sales for 70% off because its still money down the drain.
On that other one, I hope the Clare Balding rumours aren’t true because I absolutely despise that little knacker and they’re is far better quality out there.
West Lancs Geordie
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:36 PM
Comment #55AP . He is also saying he wants someone that he can fit straight in. So perhaps an established striker with experience. Yeah Taco, Burn has done a great job at full back but he is not a genuine full back , he’s a Centre Back and a solid one at that. But we have Targett who played excellent at left back before he got injured and when he returns will be ok . I agree certainly Lewis has to be moved on and perhaps Dummett (who everyone likes) and he has been a good servant like Ritchie but sadly they are not now in the class we need at this level . Eddie has got to accept this and be ruthless in replacing them with better quality players. As a good gesture let Ritchie go back on a free to Portsmouth where he started , to finish his career.
A Geordie Mongrel
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:36 PM
Comment #56After such a long lay off Isak gets eased back, it’s the Eddie method. 😉
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:40 PM
Comment #57IrishRob – I agree with that post 100%. The spotlight was always instantly upon Wood here given the fee. The pressure here can be insurmountable given that so many fans lack perspective these days.
Ap
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:42 PM
Comment #58DayvanCowboy id take that
West Lancs Geordie
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:45 PM
Comment #59Didnt realise Moukoko had actually signed the new contract at Dortmund as it was well well short of what it had been rumoured we offered. Perhaps we are back in for Diaby but he is playing well and turning Leverkusen’s season round. Arsenal have signed another alleged target of ours Trossard and also a Polish defender so perhaps thats cooled their interest in the Villarreal young full back.
Dont think we’ll be back in for Maddison this window and Depay has gone to Athletico from Barcelona today although I dont think we were over interested because of his age. Dont think Tilliemans is right for strengthening our midfield .
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:47 PM
Comment #60West Lancs Geordie –
In general i agree with your assessment – but we cant do all that in this window can we?
First things first….replace Wood with a better, younger more versatile forward player.
Not another deJong
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:48 PM
Comment #61Post by – Sanjay@nufcsanjay
Five points clear of fifth place with a game in hand, and the opportunities to extend that lead are coming thick and fast for #NUFC. Crystal Palace are never an easy side to play against, but their inconsistencies this season have seen them float around mid-table.
Patrick Vieira has done a great job in rebuilding Palace’s squad, having built a young and talented core, with a good mix of athleticism and technical quality.This season was seen as a chance to build towards Europe, but they’ve not quite done that. We’re only halfway through the season, but Palace’s final position is as predictable as they come. They’re in no danger of relegation, but also are no threat to Europe. It’s going to be a comfortable mid-table finish for them.
Vieira’s Palace are a physical side, who sit fairly deep in their shape, and look to counter as often as possible. They don’t tend to press particularly high (15th for passes per defensive action), but sit in their compact 4-5-1 shape out of possession. Rather than actively seeking the ball, they use triggers (like a poor touch) to nick the ball back and break quickly. This intention to make the game scrappy and physical has led to them making the 2nd most fouls in the PL (229), and this is something we’ll see tomorrow. This is also summarised by the fact that they have the 2nd most tackles in their defensive 3rd (191), but also have completed the most dribbles (154) – indicative of their ability to carry the ball into space, and also of the fact that they have players who can do this well. When you’ve got strong ball-carriers like Zaha, Olise and Eze, it allows you to carry a serious counter-attacking threat, and that’s what Vieira tries to tap into.
However, Palace do have issues with chance creation.They’ve ranked pretty poorly in most attacking metrics this season, and this has probably been the main reason why they’ve not achieved as much as expected. As much as they have creative influences in the squad, the issues probably lie in their strikers. In terms of ball progression, a lot of it stems from their CBs (Andersen and Guehi), and Cheick Doucouré. All three can break lines with their passing, and Andersen possesses one of the best big switches in the PL. It allows them to move from their defensive third to a profitable area in their attacking third with one pass against a set defensive shape. Luckily for us though, Andersen is out injured, so Palace will be missing arguably their biggest weapon in build-up. Eze might come back in from the start to give them another natural midfielder so they can go 3v3 against our midfield.
As for #NUFC, it’s about finding our rhythm as quickly as possible in the match. Selhurst Park’s atmosphere always plays a big part, and it’s something which can genuinely create moments on the pitch when the players feed off that energy. Always worth mentioning with us – set-pieces. We generate loads of xG from them, but haven’t converted as much as we should. We have the 2nd best aerial duel success in the PL (55.1%), while Palace have the 15th best (47.4%). There could be opportunities there. Tomorrow could be the time for Saint-Maximin from the start. If Bruno is on the bench, I’d expect ASM to come in at LW, where he’ll fancy himself against Clyne. Clyne doesn’t tend to drive too far forward either, easing the defensive responsibility for ASM.
This is a tough fixture – and although it’s a cliche – it’s the type of game that the best sides successfully negotiate. It’s about letting our quality shine through, and playing the game and not the occasion. I’ll be very impressed with a win tomorrow. #NUFC
———————————————————–
Plus, McArther is injured, he usually causes us trouble and makes the game scrappy. Although we could defend deep and equally play a gruelling game, in the hope of getting a clean sheet and a one goal win.
West Lancs Geordie
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:50 PM
Comment #62Eddie hopefully playing it right keeping his cards close to his chest. Lets just sign someone like we did back in the day when we signed Papiss Cisse out of the blue.
Cant see Manure letting McTominay come to us even if we wanted him after the farce with Jesse Lingard.
West Lancs Geordie
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:55 PM
Comment #63Palace away is a hard game especially without Bruno. Zaha will be drinking his usual falling over water before the game and is always looking for a pen. Hope Tripps is fit to handle him. We look like starting the nearly same team we have all season.Let’s hope fatigue does not start to set in as thats why we need to strengthen this window.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 20, 2023 at 8:56 PM
Comment #64DCL scored well in 19/20 and 20/21 but then injuries hit him last season. He’s an excellent player when fit but his issues are definitely fitness. If he has no lasting issues there, he’s a £60m player who would expect to start for a top 10 PL club. If he does have fitness issues, we wouldn’t want him.
I can’t see us signing him for £20-30m and him willing to be backup to Isak and Wilson can you?
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:01 PM
Comment #65Forgot to post the link.
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dominic-calvert-lewin/detaillierteleistungsdaten/spieler/306024
Regan
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:04 PM
Comment #66Calvert lewin is under contract till 2027..
Everton need him more than us..
Besides.. has beens should be nowhere near gonna be’s..
We can do better..
Assassins Inc
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:05 PM
Comment #67Be careful Toon fans, there is a report that when you try and enter the ground they will be searching everyone because Zaha is worried about snipers in the ground stopping him from running with the ball.
So please leave your Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifles at home.
lochinvar
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:07 PM
Comment #68Just can’t help thinking that there’s a pattern emerging as to how those players on the fringe of the team are viewed.
Perhaps fitness, strength, pace and mobility are the factors. All attributes needed for the rigours of the Premiership and to have the edge over other teams players.
Wood has moved on after doing nothing wrong but Newcastle are in a different place now competitively and Eddie and his team will be using sports sciences to help assess player contributions. Shelvey also has done nothing wrong but injury and lack of fitness are not bedfellows with top 4 and European ambitions. A sub late in games maybe but full match intensity may pass him by.
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:09 PM
Comment #69Yeah, Im talking a top notch left back of Trippier quality to start next term. By that time I’d hope we’d have moved on Dummett, Lewis, Ritchie and Fraser, and fixed up Elliot on loan, and four good additions in. Not a huge number out, nor in, over that period of time.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:09 PM
Comment #70Would love us to come out flying and hit them hard like we did to Leicester away get an early goal or 2 and then bam get the next one to kill the game off
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:10 PM
Comment #71Assassins
No problem there mate, we got Peter’s satellite laser system! 🙂
lochinvar
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:12 PM
Comment #72We are linked with so many players for good reason. It’s a smoke screen, red herring (red kippers if you prefer) and good PR.
I hope and expect the signigs we make not to be the obvious ones the hacks churn out but some unexpected revelations. Keeps us on our toes as well.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:13 PM
Comment #73@Nicky
In a way it’s a shame Targett got injured him and Trippier have barely played together due to both being missing at different times
Targett actually got a decent amount of assists and goal involvements last season
While not top top class he’s a tier below but would’ve given us good balance
Guerrero from Dortmund would be a good left back if he’s avaliable
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:14 PM
Comment #74Caught up on SSN:
Klopp is running scared again…his latest interview is quite telling. He acts like Lpool haven’t spent money during his tenure.
The Juve news is interesting – 15 points!! Just makes me want us to sign Chiesa even more!
Howe again speaks very well. The more I hear him the more I love him.
lochinvar
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:21 PM
Comment #75Am I missing something here ?
The CAVForth project in Edinburgh is expected to have five self-driving buses run timetabled services between Ferrytoll park-and-ride in Fife and the Edinburgh Park train and tram interchange via the bridge from the spring.
The driverless vehicles run on sensors on pre-selected routes but with an experienced driver on board. The buses will move in mixed traffic at speeds of up to 50mph.
Canny job that, a driver paid not to drive.
.
Novocastrian66
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:21 PM
Comment #76DCL’s season stats does not favourably compare to Wood’s performances.
In short he would be an expensive downgrade on Chris Wood.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:21 PM
Comment #77“Doesn’t he have any say?”
What a silly thing to say from the poster who was calling him Queen Eddie last week.
Eddie H will have every say on who comes in, I’d say there is full and complete trust in the manager’s input just as Eddie H will have faith in Ashworth delivering the type of player he has requested. The way he talked about always having a target man, Chris Wood was 100% his choice and the owners backed him on that to the tune of £25M in which he repaid that faith. We’re running like a well oiled machine and it’s absolute nonsense to think that Eddie H hasn’t a say in how it’s being run.
The Taco Taker
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:23 PM
Comment #78Lochinvar – exactly! This will be the 3rd and final time I shall say this tonight…everyone we were ever linked with will be continued to be linked to us and some were lies to begin with. That is the standard of journalism and the less said about ITKs on twitter or whatever the better.
It is not purely a smokescreen though, it is the clutter of rumours.
If you think about it it would be quicker to draw up a list of known established players and/or young and upcoming players NUFC have NOT been linked with!
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:23 PM
Comment #79TTT,
I listened to his presser in the gym tonight, absolutely class, the cheeky way he denied all knowledge about BDB throwing the extra ball in or Joelinton listening to tactics 😀
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 20, 2023 at 9:24 PM
Comment #80TTT,
The ITK’s are flummoxed, Sean Casey is being ridiculed tbh he’s so off the mark.