Eddie Howe has taken his press briefing this morning ahead of Sunday’s clash against Wolves. The head coach revealed that he hopes Fabian Schar will be back for the match after being in concussion protocol.
He also hinted there could be others fighting for fitness as he stated the following:
“We hope Fabian Schär will be in the squad. He’s trained well this week so I’m pleased to see him back.
“We have a couple of knocks from the Man City game but we hope it’s nothing too serious.”
There have been minimal injuries in recent weeks. So Howe has had some selection decisions to make. That will be no different for Sunday as Joelinton will serve the first of his two-match ban.
Jamaal Lascelles had a promising outing at the Etihad in Schar’s place. Howe was asked about the captain and his performance. Howe provided the following assessment on Jamaal:
“He’s led by example on the training ground. I had no doubt he’d come in and do well [at Man City] because of what I’ve seen.
“He performed to a high level & I’m pleased for him because he deserved that moment. I think he’s in a really good place.”
Lascelles recently spoke out on his lack of opportunities. His statements were team-oriented as he has completely encompassed his leadership role in the squad. If there are any doubts about Fabian, Howe will have no hesitation in handing Lascelles another start.
Interestingly, Howe spoke about another long-term Magpie who is pushing for a start. That is super-sub Jacob Murphy. The 28-year-old plays almost every match though rarely from the opening whistle.
Howe must be pleased with the winger’s contributions as well as in training as he said the following:
“I think he’s done very well off the bench this year but that’s not to say that’s his sole role. He’s done well when he’s come on in the last few games and that’s not lost on me.
“He’s pushing to start and there’s no doubting his qualities.”
Howe could go with another slightly-rotated squad on Sunday. Competition for places could be the key to getting the Magpies heading back in the right direction down the stretch.
Loading ...
109 comments so far
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Mar 10, 2023 at 10:32 AM
Comment #1The thing with Wilson it’s not just the lack of finishing but his overall play is terrible
He was never the best at hold up play or winning headers but he just seems attracted to the big centre half in the oppositon because he won’t run the channels etc and he just gets dominated by the defender also
The way we also play doesn’t really help him because we pass pass pass then Trippier floats a slow cross in what’s he meant to do with that? Let’s change it up the service also
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 10, 2023 at 10:38 AM
Comment #2I think most of the team picks itself really. Seems like it will partially depend on fitness issues whether Isak and Targett start, though perhaps also tactic for the latter. Murphy instead of Almiron will only happen if the latter has a knock or is fatigued in my opinion. I’d imagine the toughest decision is at LW – ASM has looked lively recently but there hasn’t been much end product. Would seem best to start with Gordon to me but would ASM still be motivated to come on and tear it up for 30 minutes?
Assassins Inc
Mar 10, 2023 at 10:49 AM
Comment #3So Wilson not really firing on all cylinders, also missing Joe.
So formation wise, do we play Isak up front and also Murphy and give Miggy a rest.
Murphy looked good at the weekend, leaving left back in the dust and crossing in some wicked balls. Would Isak be better in that role feeding of Murphy’s crosses than Wilson.
So forward line Murphy, Maxi and Isak with Longy Bruno and Willock in midfield.
It’s a hard one to predict, I know dropping MiGs is a coin toss due to his goal scoring this season but the kid need a rest surely.
It’s tough being a manager, Eddie must be scratching his head trying to figure this out.
Also Jamal played really well last weekend, does Schar come right back into the mix.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 10, 2023 at 10:50 AM
Comment #4LCBP,
I wonder what happened to some of the most inventive set pieces we’ve ever witnessed at SJP, it was a joy to watch, it’s like they’ve said ‘everyone must be wise to that now’ so are just getting Trips to lump it a BDB, it’s not as bad as Pardew’s routine to Mike Williamson but it’s starting to feel that way.
Adamn_92
Mar 10, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Comment #5Interesting that Murphy gets a mention, wouldn’t mind seeing him start on Sunday. Still think Wilson probably starts so wouldn’t mind seeing a front 3 of:
Gordon – Wilson – Murphy
Gordon is good at linking play from the left and looks after the ball well; keeps the attack progressing and pass and moves. Murphy would provide a more direct approach from the right, happy to cross it in early with pace or take his man on to get to the byline to cross or cut it back. Also loves a shot and usually forces a save or comes close to scoring. Wilson may get some joy from some early crosses into the box.
If it isn’t working after an hour, Isak, ASM and Miggy to come on and that provides plenty of fresh pace and new problems for the Wolves defence. With Isak happy to drop into the 10 role and run the channels, Miggy running in behind and cutting in and ASM being unpredictable and can run at some tired legs.
Midfield picks itself with Joe out, so Willock, Longstaff and Bruno. Defence I imagine will be back to the usual Burn, Botman, Schar and Trippier with Targett not ready to start but to come on as a sub in the second half to get more minutes and fitness.
Assassins Inc
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:03 AM
Comment #6Just read Jails Twitter link last thread, also The Mag has said the same thing.
Eddie doesn’t think Isak can play 90 minutes. Maybe mind games but Eddie doesn’t seem to play that game.
So looks like Wilson to start, of course he’ll probably go and score a damn hat trick, god I hope so.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:03 AM
Comment #7@Jail
Yeah not really sure it’s such a good idea that Trippier is essentially the main creator for everything like why can’t we mix it up with Bruno or Almiron etc taking a corner or free kick? Almiron has scored free kicks for Paraguay
It reminds me of when Shelvey was in his pomp for us everything went through him but it also slowed us down and other players would just pass to him and thats it rather than trying something themselves we are quite predictable that way
The overrated Frenchman
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:05 AM
Comment #8Murphy deserves to get a start ahead of Almiron who has been useless apart from his little purple patch which opposition coaches have sussed
A Geordie Mongrel
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:13 AM
Comment #9Quote as reported in the Chronicle on Isak.
” Is he 100% ready to play 90 minutes on a consistent basis? Probably not. But he will get there. We will build him to that level. I’ve been delighted with his attitude. We talked a lot about his performances, general things we’re looking to improve and develop in this game. And I think he’s in a good place.”
That suggests to me that he’s closer to 100% than not. Start him with Gordon and Murphy, I don’t think Wolves defence would cope with three speedsters. Second half then sub as required.
The Highlander
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:16 AM
Comment #10Our u21s are not doing too well.
Transfer Sage
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:19 AM
Comment #11I agree that Murphy should get a start, giving Almiron a little break from the spotlight as he’s struggling to capture his form from earlier in the season. Not to say Murphy is the long term answer but just giving Almiron that rest might help him.
I’d like to see Isak start instead of Wilson or just behind him. Howe use Josh King very well in that role at Bournemouth so could do something similar here.
I’d have Gordon on the left. I think ASM has had plenty of chances to show he can influence games and he just isn’t doing it for me. Flatters to deceive a lot. Let Gordon have 4/5 games to stake a claim.
Toonarmy of Frogs
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:19 AM
Comment #12Don’t feel as if Gordons up to thinking speed (runs but hasn’t offered much diverse passing or clever play).
Murphys played better.
Wilsons massively off form.
Don’t think Gordon Wilson will work unless one hits amazing form (you then compensate for weak passes or movement as your playing on another level). Both need to up their games.
Isak deserves a start. I’d rest almiron at some point too.
Murphy is showing form so I’d play him on the left or right.
We need goals and form.
Willock can play higher up too. Quick lad aswell.
A win iand belief is sorely needed. Will Howe make the changes??
Ronway
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:21 AM
Comment #13Adam – #5
” Gordon – Wilson – Murphy ”
If it isn’t working after an hour:
” ASM – Isak – Miggy ”
It probably won’t happen but it looks like a good starting line-up to me and a pretty impressive back-up option!
🙂
Adamn_92
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:31 AM
Comment #14Ronway
Yeah I don’t see it happening either, but like you say very good back up options 🙂 Essentially would let us look at 2 different attacking set ups too, so would be nice to see which causes more problems and works better.
Adamn_92
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:34 AM
Comment #15Gordon hasn’t done anything crazily impressive yet, but i’d have him over ASM at the moment purely because he doesn’t give the ball away cheaply. Pass and move may not look as impressive as a mazy run past a defender or 2, but it keeps the attack moving, doesn’t slow the attacking move down and more importantly doesn’t give the ball away cheaply. He’s a very tidy player and will only improve more with more games under his belt. He has an eye for a pass when the movement ahead of him as good. Just look at his debut from the bench when he passed and move cleverly and then slipped a lovely ball through to Wilson who should have scored.
DrGloom
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:38 AM
Comment #16Can’t see any goals with a front line of Gordon – Wilson – Murphy
Neither Gordon nor Murphy have ever scored or assisted many goals and Wilson is massively off form
Adamn_92
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:41 AM
Comment #17Gloom
In fairness no front 3 has been scoring goals for us this year really. May as well try a front 3 that hasn’t been tried yet 🙂 Murphy has looked creative off the bench, early crosses may benefit Wilson and Gordon keeps the attack going and looks after the ball better than ASM. Worth a shot and can change it after an hour for a more tricky and pacey front 3 against tireder legs.
Bills Son Is Back
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:41 AM
Comment #18Murphy showed last game what a difference a right footed right winger makes in being able to whip in a cross. If Maxi had shown a goalscorers instinct and made a run to the far post instead of hanging on the edge of the box it could have been a different result.
Most of our crosses are played in from way beyond the goal line because Miggy and Maxi nearly always cut inside onto their good foot and Tripps and our mids are knocking balls up from deep. That means the defenders are running onto the ball not our forwards – too easy to defend.
Miggy’s purple patch – great as it was – was never going to last, and it has disguised the lack of pulled back crosses we make.
It would be interesting to see how Miggy and Maxi perform on the opposite wing, or put Miggy out left and Gordon on the right. Gordon is looking lively but nearly every time he got the ball out wide left against Lpool he immediately took it on his right foot and moved inside.- deja vu all over again.
In Miggy, Maxi, Gordon and Murphy we have speedy wingers who can all beat their man but the downside is Eddie continues to play with inverted wingers and defenders know what to expect ie., they’ll come inside where it is easier to defend and crowd them out.
Is it time to play right and left footed players on the right and left wing?
I think it is.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:49 AM
Comment #19I don’t often swear (I leave that to my brother) but FFS have you heard the next UEFA/FIFA idea?
Add extra time like in the WC ok with that.
If a team is being mullered, then reduce the extra time “mercy time” they call it.
I recall last game of a season, Liverpool vs Arsenal. All Liverpool had to do was not get beat by 2 goals. Arsenal scored the 2nd in the last minute and won the league.
Question, if Arsenal were thrashing a team and “Mercy Time” was used, they may have needed to win by 3 goals or more. Crazy!!!!
Ronway
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:50 AM
Comment #20More transfer rumours from the Evening Chronicle!
” Newcastle to battle it out for James Ward-Prowse amongst others.”
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-transfer-ward-prowse-26427893?int_source=nba
DrGloom
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:50 AM
Comment #21Bills – good words as always
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:51 AM
Comment #22Canny little link
https://www.nufc-history.co.uk/nufc-players-captains.html
Lascelles definitely our best captain since Alan Shearer.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:51 AM
Comment #23I’d totally forgotten that weasel Micheal Owen was for a bit.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:52 AM
Comment #24No wonder we got relegated.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:52 AM
Comment #25Ronway,
I seen that on another outlet yesterday??
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 10, 2023 at 11:55 AM
Comment #26So, can’t use goal difference nor goals for/against as no longer a level playing field. How do you separate the teams,? Home/away results away goals count double? Oh, they have stopped that already.
Infantino has lost what few marbles he had.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Comment #27Couldn’t be *rsed to log on last night with all of the crap playground stuff going on.
Is it really necessary?
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:02 PM
Comment #28Looks to me that EH will start Murphy, nowt to lose imo.
cyprus
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:05 PM
Comment #29Not sure you can call him a super sub, Neil. A super sub comes on and turns, or helps turn, a result. He’s threatened to do it but never has, to my recollection.
But I have no problems with his contribution when he comes on. Let’s agree on “done alriit when he came on” sub 🙂
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:05 PM
Comment #30SirP,
Those shots of him at the WC just deliberately sat on his own so nobody else could share the limelight, he’ll be as every bit corrupt as his predecessors but another one in the line who has learned the art of perfecting it so as not to get caught.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:06 PM
Comment #31Even though he aint scoring Miggy is still a willing worker and asset to the team so I’d be surprised if he is dropped. So who gets dropped for Murphy?
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:07 PM
Comment #32EGB, just skip the obvious trolls. Very easy to do.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:08 PM
Comment #33Jail, true.
cyprus
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:09 PM
Comment #34Raj
Again, not sure about “definitely”. A captain gets in the starting 11, surely.
Would Eddie have given him the captaincy had he not held it before Eddie arrived?
Rhetorical question, don’t answer it, I know the answer 🙂
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:11 PM
Comment #35Someone put a team up earlier, I apologise for not remembering who.
Targett
Bruno Longstaff, Willock
Isak, Gordon and Miggs
You all know the rest of the team.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:11 PM
Comment #36Peter
I do try to, but they still take up blog space and on the odd occasion say something sensible. 🙄
cyprus
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:12 PM
Comment #37Eddie should pick the team in this order: Bruno, Pope, ASM, Joel, Miggy and so on. Every week.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:14 PM
Comment #38EGB. Fair point.
Munster Mag
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:16 PM
Comment #39Bills Ive been asking same for weeks, but no doubt one or two opportunists will slag me off for being “anti eddie ” ffs, because I highlighted issues that pertained to him before he came to us. such as his unwillingness to change. Has he learned and changed, the way he did on defence? We will see.
1. Where has the inventiveness gone on free kicks
2. What is the obsession with inverted wingers
3. Why can he not even swap Miggy and (say) Maxi at times during games.
4. What is the obsession with Wilson?
We havent seen this once, not have we seen much in terms of formation shifts
We looks fairly predictable, and have for weeks on end
If Eddie is the great coach we think he is, surely he will try to alter things?
Finally, re Isak, I dont think Eddie sees him as a central striker , but sees Wilson ( or a new striker ) , as the centre point. Possible because Isak isnt strong enough physically
He may have some of Kane’s attributes, but Kane is no doubt stronger, and grew up with the rough and tumble of English football from 7 yrs old
Versus Wolves Id like to see:
Gordon Isak Murphy
Zhongguo Geordie
Mar 10, 2023 at 12:16 PM
Comment #40Murphy’s main attribute in recent years has been crossing. How will that be effected when our instructions seem to be to knock it back to Trippier to cross from deep. Will this cut out Murphy’s ability to get into crossing opportunities, or will it end our reliance on Trippier?