Eddie Howe has given his press briefing ahead of tomorrow’s early afternoon clash at Leeds. The Magpies are looking to rebound after a hard-fought but disappointing defeat at home to Arsenal.
Tomorrow’s opponent is at the other end of the table as Leeds are enmeshed in a dire relegation battle. They haven’t tasted victory since the first week of April and are desperate for three points.
Howe has a couple of injury concerns with Sean Longstaff’s foot injury forcing him out of the last two fixtures. News emerged this week that Joelinton has an ankle injury though the Brazilian was spotted in training this week.
As for Longstaff, the Geordie will miss tomorrow’s trip to Elland Road. Here is Howe’s update on the 25-year-old:
“He went to see a specialist and I think there was a few concerns that there’s some structural damage in his foot but there wasn’t which is good news. There is a bit of damage to one of the ligaments. He’s being re-scanned today which we hope will show an improvement. It’s unclear when he’ll be back but it’s not a long term issue.”
Hopefully, Sean’s season is not over. The injury isn’t too serious but with just a handful of games remaining, his race may have been run this term. If so, what a dream season for the local lad who started 27 league matches.
Matt Ritchie, unfortunately, may have played his last game for Newcastle. The winger has picked up a minor knee injury that will likely end his campaign. With his contract due to expire at the end of next month, Ritchie could end his influential Magpie career with 198 appearances.
382 comments so far
Adamn_92
May 12, 2023 at 10:19 AM
Comment #1Oh go on then
Harley
May 12, 2023 at 10:21 AM
Comment #2Just shows how much we are desperate for a midfielder in the transfer window. We are so short in this department.
Joelinton is best on the left of the front 3 or left of the midfield 3. For some reason he doesn’t look anywhere near as good when playing on the right.
I’d have loved to have him tomorrow on the left of the front 3 but we have no one to take up longstaffs place so it looks like he’ll be on the right again.
I reckon we could see ASM start tomorrow.
Wor B
May 12, 2023 at 10:22 AM
Comment #3That’s about 10 firsts in old money! 🙂
investinyouthtoon
May 12, 2023 at 10:25 AM
Comment #4I for one will be thrilled when he’s back fully fit and in the team. We don’t seem to be the same without Sean in our team. A player who along with several others have come on leaps and bounds since EH and his coaches arrived.
HWTL
Zele
May 12, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Comment #5Can anyone work out how many likely vacancies there will be that will have to be filled by incoming new players based on the likely numbers of players leaving the club?
Presumably Ritchie will be one.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 12, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Comment #6The last post on the last thread is the new first 😉
sparky55
May 12, 2023 at 10:40 AM
Comment #7Even Merson says we’ll win 2-0 tomorrow…perhaps thats a reverse hex play from the idiot that is Paul Merson.
Perhaps he’s worked out saying we’ll lose every weekend is damaging his already trashed reputation!
Who knows what goes on in that damaged mind…his obvious dislike for newcastle is as transparent as glass.
sparky55
May 12, 2023 at 10:42 AM
Comment #8I read this morning Howe wants Ritchie to stay on!
Fenham to Chalfont
May 12, 2023 at 10:42 AM
Comment #9As per Neil H, hopefully the ligament damage is not enough to put Longstaff out for the rest of the remaining games. There is no denying that Longstaff is a huge loss. However Eddie must come up with a strategy to combat this loss. As I mentioned on the previous thread, Bruno seems to be closed down much quicker when he doesn’t have Longstaff in the middle with him. I want to see Bruno release the ball much faster so he is not caught in possession…
Eddie will be working on this issue this week to come up with a system best suited to blow Leeds away tomorrow. Eddie will know what’s needed after the Arsenal game.
Will be a hard fought battle tomorrow and we will come away victorious as we have so much quality all over the pitch.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 12, 2023 at 10:46 AM
Comment #10When we last played Everton I actually feared that they could crock one of our players as they are a team full of hatchet men and with a manager like Dyche it was a fear that has came true with regards to Longstaff’s injury he has sustained from that game…
To think the little horrible T-Rex mackem was trying to shove Longstaff from the pitch when he is genuinely injured is not very sportsmanlike is it. The horrible little cockroach!!
Harley
May 12, 2023 at 10:53 AM
Comment #11Zele
I can the following going –
Ritchie
Krafth
Manquilo
Fraser
Lascelles (if he doesn’t fancy the bench again)
ASM (to make way for a Diaby Szobozlai type)
Matty
Lewis
Plus all the players currently on loan
Hopefully see these replace them –
Szobozlai
Veiga
Franca
Bakker
Salisu
JP...from The Rock
May 12, 2023 at 10:54 AM
Comment #12Fenham – yeah he’ll be a big miss (never thought I’d say that about Longstaff tbh) as you mentioned, I also noticed Bruno dilly dallying on the ball way too much and getting caught. Nearly cost us a few times. With Longstaff next to him he does perform better and I hope Bruno has realised he has to release it quicker when he’s not playing alongside him.
This game is crucial and I really don’t want Leeds to go sown but I would love it if we smash them to get closer to confirming CL qualification and they get a win or two after our game to save themselves.
Can’t believe Everton thrashed Brighton last game and it just goes to show that anything is possible.
We need to be on the ball tomorrow, we can’t get complacent and think it’s only Leeds and it will be easier than Arsenal. That thinking is a recipe for disaster and I bet Eddie has been drumming that into the players.
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 10:55 AM
Comment #13Zele,
We already have two in Shelvey and Wood that need replacing. You’d think Fraser, Ritchie and Lewis would be off, I thought Dummet but it seems more and more likely he’s stopping. Then you have those in their last years so a decision has to be made there on whether to sell or renew.
JP...from The Rock
May 12, 2023 at 10:56 AM
Comment #14Oh and Pickford is a twat! Longstaff was badly hurt and he’s shoving him off the pitch! Can’t stand Everton these days. I hope they go down.
Munster Mag
May 12, 2023 at 10:56 AM
Comment #15Fenners I’m not sure we will drag Leeds all over the place. Man City didn’t, they defended as a deep block and only conceded two goals. I think we need maxi ans isak on at the same time whether we start them or not. I think Isak will be a sub but Eddie bingo is a hard guess, even for a football genius like Tufty.
Munster Mag
May 12, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Comment #16Jp our time wasting is well k own. To be fair I don’t think Pickford knew he was that badly hurt. In fact I think he played on
Fenham to Chalfont
May 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Comment #17Munster
But we aren’t Man City, we are Newcastle United 🙂
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:01 AM
Comment #18Wow,
I didn’t realise how many were in their last year. Wilson, Burn, Manquillo, Krafth, Schar and Lascelles.
Harley,
I see Krafth as an important squad player, he was excellent in Trips absence last year and can cover CB, I’d renew. BDB is a huge part of the team spirit and I think he should retire here. Wilson gets a two year extension same with Schar, not sure on Lascelles, do they cash in now or let him run down his deal, for what we’d get for Manquillo I’d let him run down his as well.
Adamn_92
May 12, 2023 at 11:04 AM
Comment #19I guess a key difference could be that the Man City game was away, so Leeds were always likely to set up a low block and try to be as difficult as possible to play through.
I think it’s less likely to be as defensive from them at home. The crowd will want them to attack and be positive and even if they set up relatively defensive, it won’t be anywhere near as bad as the park the bus job against Man City. Defending and pumping it long against our defence of Schar, Botman and Burn would be dumb as they’re not winning any of those aerial duels.
They’ll have to come out and attempt to play against us and we have the players and energy to defend against that, counter fast or just play around them in a more open match. We should get some joy and it’s why I think Isak starting makes more sense. He’s better at running the channels and running in behind so is better to catch Leeds short at the back when we turn over possession.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 12, 2023 at 11:06 AM
Comment #20I watched the City v Leeds game and I thought City in another day could have won that game 6-0. They bossed them from start to finish as you’d expect.
Leeds will be a very tough game tomorrow I’ve no doubt about it as it always is and that they have home advantage and batting relegation will make it a tougher battle, add to that Fat Sham winding them up.
However, saying all of that I can see a big bounce back for us tomorrow. Leeds have not won since the beginning of April (5 weeks) and there is a reason for that. NUFC will know what their weaknesses are and how to get at them. Bring it on and enjoy the game folks then we can hopefully sit back and enjoy the rest of the games, hopefully other results shall go our way.
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:09 AM
Comment #21Munster,
Haaland never had his shooting boots on that day, that was nothing to do with defending and a lot more to do with Man City’s wasting of chances and a Haaland off day, that could have easily of been 5-0 at HT.
Harley
May 12, 2023 at 11:09 AM
Comment #22Raj I’d not be upset if Krafth stayed, he’s decent cover.
I’m with you though on previous comments from you that we will see a minimum 6 new players in.
Like you say Wood and Shelvey have gone, then there’s another maybe 6 fringe players will be gone too.
Didn’t realise those players are in their last year. Burn, Schar and Wilson definitely another 2 years. I like Lascelles and I’d be happy to see him stay, but not sure he wants to sit on the bench again.
Funnily enough I quite like manquilo and would be happy to see him stay, but I think he’ll be off too. He always plays well when we see him.
Swablr
May 12, 2023 at 11:16 AM
Comment #23Clint, ‘pologies, belated birthday greetings for yesterday.
WLToon, I thought I saw you say it was your birthday yesterday too. If I did, happy bidet to you as well.
I didn’t know you are a player, and left handed too. Loads of great left handed guitarists, past and present. Jimi Hendrix, Otis Rush, Albert King, Paul McCartney, Kurt Cobain, and more recently, Eric Gales, (amazing) very distinguish company.
JohnJ, I missed your last few posts until now because I got whisked off by Mrs S to do a job that turned into an immense project. Consequently I haven’t been anywhere near the blog for about 36 hours.
On the Martin that you couldn’t get on with, absolutely understandable. Instruments are a very personal choice and need to suit your needs and wants perfectly. I hope we get the chance to sit down again and chew the fat on things, including the successes and failures of buying and selling over the years.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
May 12, 2023 at 11:16 AM
Comment #24Can see it being a bit like the Everton game where Leeds come out flying they actually do have a lot of energy and quality up front
Trippier and Schar will need to wise up with Gnoto or Harrison as they seem to get caught out by balls over the top a lot recently
Without Longstaff I don’t think we have got the balance correct but it feels to me we need to play with a no 10 when he is out with Almiron or Anderson doing it
Still with Murphy and Joelinton wide keeping the width there would be space for them to operate in
Just a waste trying to play joelinton inside right it’s just not working
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
May 12, 2023 at 11:19 AM
Comment #25Having watched Forest it’s no coincidence they look better without Shevey in the team
He just doesn’t have the energy to play in the middle anymore left them far too exposed we did well to get a fee for him
I think with us becoming a lot more high press he would’ve struggled in our team as well
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:19 AM
Comment #26Harley,
It’s a real tricky one on who to offer a new deal, who to sell and who to let run down their deals. It’s not even easy for us to think about it but I suppose the club insiders know who is happy to be a squad player and who wants to move etc, Krafth, I’d say give him a new deal but he might fancy being a regular starter in a Spanish mid table team. We do have the advantage of Euro football to keep players happy now, so that makes it a bit easier.
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:23 AM
Comment #27Eddie Howe on Isak and Wilson:
“They were on the pitch together but they weren’t a partnership as such. I saw enough from Alex, who played well I thought, to know he can play in that position and I know Callum in the number nine role is an outstanding player so it [playing both together] is something I’ll definitely consider.”
What we’re you saying Mister Tough???
cleveleysbob
May 12, 2023 at 11:23 AM
Comment #28Genuine question, do we not have an U21 player that could fulfil Longstaffs position for one match?
Our balance as a team goes all to hell when he’s missing.
I’d rather we start with our usual left side of Burn, Willock and Joelinton and Isak up top.
On the right, we’ve got Trippier, ?, Murphy or Almiron.
We need to address the balance issue. Perhaps Murphy could drop back into Sean’s slot for 1 game? And play Trips/Murphy/Almiron on right?
Moving Either of the Joe’s from left to right doesn’t work, we get unbalanced and a bit untidy in our play. Could Gordon play Sean’s role? Or as mentioned Murphy in for Sean Gordon wide right @ the start, bring Miggy, Wilson and ASM on for last half hour.
Any thoughts?
geordie157
May 12, 2023 at 11:23 AM
Comment #29Shame Longstaff misses out and shame to for Ritchie, I think he would have came on in the last home game for a bit of send off.
Same starting XI as last week then. With those two out and Lascelles, the bench is weaker but picks itself.
Dubravka, Manquillo, Lewis, Dummett, Targett, Anderson, Gordon, Saint-Maximin & Almiron.
Swablr
May 12, 2023 at 11:24 AM
Comment #30I never really expected Sean Longstaff to be back, at least not for next couple of games. The information coming out was too vague and hitty-missy as if nobody really knew what was wrong with his ankle. As it now appears to have been identified as covert ligament damage, fielding him too soon could have been a disaster. In a way it’s reassuring that it’s been found, albeit that he’s a big miss.
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:25 AM
Comment #31Eddie Howe on the run-in:
“The lads have been incredible in every game bar one or two this season. They’ve given me absolutely everything. Now we have four games to try to consolidate all of that effort to achieve something remarkable. That’s what we’re looking to do, just keep our nerve, keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully it will be enough.”
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:25 AM
Comment #32Eddie Howe on Matt Ritchie:
“Matt has picked up a knee injury. I don’t think it’s too bad but I think it will keep him out for the rest of the season.”
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:26 AM
Comment #33Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of #LEENEW tomorrow:
“We’re looking forward to it. We know it’s going to be a great occasion and a great atmosphere. We need to be ready for what’s going to come. It’s going to be a really important start to the game. I think the first 15/20 minutes will have a huge impact on what’s going to happen afterwards.”
cleveleysbob
May 12, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Comment #34Lee @ #24 haha, I was obviously typing my little offering as you were posting your very similar thoughts.
I totally agree about the balance issue, and not disrupting the left side. 🙂
The Taco Taker
May 12, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Comment #35Zele,
It is overall not possible to work this out as you cant be sure who is likely to leave – there are players under contract the club will look to more on but that still requires a buyer or someone who wants them on loan.
It does seem likely that all the players who are out of contract (with the possible exception of Dummett) will leave . However, that does not actually open up any squad places, as the two places that Ritchie and Gillespie currently take up are needed for Gordon and Ashby (since they don’t count as U21’s next season) and the other don’t have a place in the squad today.
It would seem unlikely that we would be signing more than 2 or 3 top players over the age of 21 though, both from a squad size point of view and from a financial point of view.
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:29 AM
Comment #36Eddie Howe – “To understand Jason’s role, you have to go back to where we started, as it gives context as to why he’s in them situations. We started with no money, no real facilities, working just the two of us and we did everything together. We were a partnership, we would go to watch the opposition five hours away and travel together, it was the two us and we’ve never changed that approach.” #NUFC
geordie157
May 12, 2023 at 11:30 AM
Comment #37cleveleysbob, Miley possibly but he’s more attack minded. Nathan Carlyon apparently has been playing well recently but I’m not sure where in midfield he plays.
Anderson could play in the midfield three, would like him to get increased minutes in the final 4 games.
must be some u21 matches regulars on here somewhere?
Raj of Hailsley
May 12, 2023 at 11:32 AM
Comment #38Eddie H speaking up for his right hand man 🙂
The Taco Taker
May 12, 2023 at 11:33 AM
Comment #39On Krath I would prefer we kept him over Manquillo but we surely can’t keep both given we brought Ashby in. It might come down to which of them we get offers for.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
May 12, 2023 at 11:39 AM
Comment #40@Cleves
Yeah I just think changing the whole system just doesn’t work
Just keep the left hand side working like clockwork and get someone in to play where Longstaff would
Personally think it should be Almiron who could do it he has the engine and those chances that fall to Longstaff he would be capable of finishing them off
Plus he has pace and can rotate with Murphy who goes inside and wide etc that could be a change that would surprise Leeds and make us more attacking against a low block