Newcastle are back in action after an extended break with today’s clash against West Ham at St. James’ Park. The Magpies will hope the fortnight plus between matches will not hamper the momentum of four straight wins.
After the weekend’s action, Newcastle can climb into sixth place with a win. The Hammers have struggled this season so anything less than all the spoils would be a disappointment.
This is the side Eddie Howe has selected. It has just one change from the 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest with Lloyd Kelly in for the suspended Dan Burn. Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier are also back and available from the bench.
HOWAY THE LADS! ? pic.twitter.com/CEkUAD80yC
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) November 25, 2024
Here is who Julen Lopetegui has named for the visitors.
Monday night Hammers ?? pic.twitter.com/bAiII9paBI
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 25, 2024
Howay The Lads!
547 comments so far
Adamn_92
Nov 28, 2024 at 4:21 PM
Comment #441Also agree.
There is no way he is on that much.
I also really struggle to believe Targett is £100k.
Though maybe Targett was a desperation thing given our position at the time and Amanda and Mehrdad being extremely inexperienced.
JaveaToon
Nov 28, 2024 at 4:24 PM
Comment #442Adam… Eddie seemed very reluctant to sign Targett on a permanent at the time so really can’t see him being on owt like that.
Hibbit
Nov 28, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Comment #443i believe Kelley is on £80k a week and that’s more than double what he was on at Bournemouth, he also got a £3m signing on fee
Hibbit
Nov 28, 2024 at 4:34 PM
Comment #444bit surprised not even one comment on the man u mid season prices rise ??
Mund
Nov 28, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Comment #445Not a chance Kelly is on a reported 150K a week…
If you believe that you’ll believe anything…
Oh wait…
onmeedsun
Nov 28, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Comment #446I think Mitchell will be the one to decide on Howes future at the end of the season. None of us are qualified to make that decision. A DOF should be. He’ll be undertaking a detailed assessment of his coaching methods and tactical acumen in game and to what extent he’s improving players and their value. All in the context of the cards dealt to him this season. For my money he has loads of credit in the bank, but will need to show that he can deliver consistent results and set the team up correctly depending on the opposition. How he deploys Tonali, big Joe, Gordon, Barnes and Willock will be key. And the return of Botman.
magscar
Nov 28, 2024 at 5:33 PM
Comment #447LCBP/Javea
Thanks for sparing time to read that epic
I do believe that our problems aren’t as straightforward or as easily fixed as some seem to believe – some maybe were avoidable some not but we are where we are
Adam had a good go yesterday at looking at the Barnes and Tonali situation and made some cogent points as to why it may not have worked out as was planned and hoped at begiining od 23/24 season
It could have been different but things conspired against us
I also believe that Kelly and Guehi was Eddie’s wish and can see why but it has cost us
I posted some time back towards end of window (?) that I believed our early strategy was suddenly altered by PSR impact ( Minteh sold ) but also as well as getting Kelly it seemed we were in front of queue for Toisin and then lost out
That cost us a decent RW which we were crying out for as we concentrated on Guehi ( instead of Toisin) beyond the stage where we could buy somenoe for RW as we were trapped waiting to see what was left in kitty
I won’t go over the whole Guehi saga as that has been done to death over the months but it cost us more than a CB
I also fully take on board what Mitchell said about our transfers which were indivdually good but in terms of transitioning the team not as effective especialy on our restricted budget and limited opportunity for outgoings
You would hope that at each season’s end the problems the club havefaced will have diminished to some extent but arguably they have increased this season even without CL and extensive injury list
We need to recognise that there aren’t any obvious easy fix solutions and we will unfortunately need to continue to be patient and hope Eddie comes up with a plan
I don’t believe that switching manager can fix all the problems we have as PSR dominates us and we can’t buy our way out in one window
I trust Mitchell has been working on his side of the equation – bringing in players to change us to a possession based side and moving out those that we need to
January may not be that window so Eddie has get us playing regardless to achieve European football
mctoon
Nov 28, 2024 at 6:10 PM
Comment #448RH,
Your seeing things that aren’t there. I never called you arrogant.
And when did I put Howe on a pedestal??
Your the one who put him on a pedestal, when he finished fourth.
A massive overachievement on Howe’s and the players part.
But you seem to have no comprehension or acceptance as to why he can’t just do it over and over again.
You say Howe’s been fully backed?
So to what end, to finish where?
6th seems to be the general consensus for what most posters would be happy with.
6th.. Which we’re 1 pt off?
To finish 6th we’d also be expected to lose a few along the way, wouldn’t we?
mctoon
Nov 28, 2024 at 6:11 PM
Comment #449Also,
If he has been fully backed, why all the screaming and shouting over a supposed ‘clusterfcuk’ of a last summer window?
Seems totally at odds with what your saying now.
He’s been backed plenty enough, hasn’t he?
mctoon
Nov 28, 2024 at 6:12 PM
Comment #450You say on paper this squad is far better than the squad of 3 years ago?
Aye, It’s why we’re not currently sitting third bottom! Duh.
Is it a squad on a level footing with a ‘big six’ side?
Not in the eyes, and opinion of pundits and media, who constantly state that due to PSR we’re not able to spend to compete with the ‘elite’?
In fact, why are the media backtracking on PSR, and finally saying it’s not to protect a clubs financial future, but purely to protect the ‘elite’ from being challenged?
(Something most of our fans have understood all along).
Why in contrast do you think Howe’s now got everything he needs to compete for a top four spot…
What do you see that others don’t?
mctoon
Nov 28, 2024 at 6:14 PM
Comment #451Finally
Why the hell would you look to focus on the managers that City have gone through to get to the top, whilst also disregarding the billions they’ve spent in getting there???
(Even more spent again, if you believe the 115 charges)
Was it a serious point?
I guess as serious as asking why slot is doing so well, so quickly at Liverpool?
A perennial top four legacy team that had just finished 3rd top when he took over.
As opposed to a shell of a club and team that was third bottom.
Fookin’ hell….
lesh
Nov 28, 2024 at 6:17 PM
Comment #452Magscar
The timing of your ‘epic’ is fortunate – I’d finished Homer’s Odyssey last night so yours is next on my ‘to read’ list!
😉
lesh
Nov 28, 2024 at 6:18 PM
Comment #453Javea
Aye, big John McNamee wasn’t a one for taking prisoners! Bless him.
magscar
Nov 28, 2024 at 6:43 PM
Comment #454Lesh
I knew there was a reason I started it – glad to be of service
I won’t spoil the ending but nobody gets killed 🙂
Essex Geordie Bill
Nov 28, 2024 at 8:28 PM
Comment #455Real patience is watching ‘The Mystery of Oak Island’ to its conclusion. .I gave up at the 99th series. 🙂
If anyone wamy to tell me if they actually found something!
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 28, 2024 at 10:45 PM
Comment #456They will try anything to thwart us and keep the cartel in power. Unbelievable this is happening behind the scenes:
https://x.com/centregoals/status/1862224448541032760?s=46
Saratoga
Nov 28, 2024 at 10:45 PM
Comment #457I hope that’s right about Kelly.
80K a week.
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 28, 2024 at 10:54 PM
Comment #458It’s proven that we’re not state owned so they can scheme all they want. This cartel that’s in operation needs taking down once and for all is what needs to happen.
Saratoga
Nov 28, 2024 at 10:55 PM
Comment #459Sad news about John McNamee.
Some years ago. Think it was when we were promoted under Rafa. I went into the Labour Club after the match. Young lads standing in the bar area were going through all their songs.
Older crowd in the corner not to be out done chipped in with one of their own – He’s here he’s there he’s every blooming where McNamee, McNamee !
My favourite. An older relative tells the tale of his late equaliser at Joker’s Park.
Headed in then continued into the net. Many say he swung from the cross bar. Not so according to my relative. He hung in the net itself, like a monkey, with a wild look on his face screaming at the Newcastle supporters.
Legend.
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 28, 2024 at 10:57 PM
Comment #460Who gives a toss whether Kelly is on £80k or whatever. We have top level operators running our club, simples
Fenham to Chalfont
Nov 28, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Comment #461And goodnight as I have work early tomorrow…
Ps the bard I work for a living unlike you, so I wasn’t on the blog today hearting posts like you put across earlier you waster. That’s what you lot do (Munter, lesh and you) it’s quite obvious who the idiots are who manipulate hearts. This blog is the be all and end all in ye sad joyless life’s. Saddos!!!!£
Saratoga
Nov 28, 2024 at 11:04 PM
Comment #46280K a week is important.
Why, because that would be about right and make sense.
Any more and you’d have to wonder what is going on.
I like the idea that we have clever shrewd operators in charge.
After the Anderson, Minteh, PSR situation I was beginning to wonder and had every reason to.
captainmarvel
Nov 28, 2024 at 11:21 PM
Comment #463Saratoga, I was there when big John scored that goal in the Fulwell, it went like a rocket into the net followed by the big man into the net hanging like a huge gorilla..
It was just huge such an iconic moment one to cherish forever. (It was that good)!
lochinvar
Nov 28, 2024 at 11:22 PM
Comment #464Guehi wants to go back to Chelsea, probably because it’s in London !
They can pay £70million.
We need players who want to be here
Saratoga
Nov 28, 2024 at 11:32 PM
Comment #465Captain
Cheers for that.
Great to hear those memories from that era.
Made all the better by the fact that, as far as I know, there is no video footage of it.
So, it’s only still there in your memory.
I started going the season Supermac signed. I think Big John was still on our books at that time, but did not play much after that.
lesh
Nov 29, 2024 at 1:32 AM
Comment #466Fenham
Grow up man…. the proposal to ban state ownership of clubs is nowt more than a kite-flying amendment proposed by a Brighton supporting peer.
lesh
Nov 29, 2024 at 1:34 AM
Comment #467Fenham
Enjoy your day at work – it’ll surely be an experience!
lesh
Nov 29, 2024 at 3:06 AM
Comment #468Fenham
Lord Bassam of Brighton…….an opportunist, straight as a die but nevertheless felt the need to repay £40k Brighton to London travelling expenses.
The one whose opinion on ownership is to be watched is Starmer, a strong Gooner supporter!
Not another deJong
Nov 29, 2024 at 4:15 AM
Comment #469Saratoga
Find myself agreeing with the points you are making, but can you clarify the comment @429.
Is the delay in play you mention relating to Bruno, linked with the lack of effective through balls or separate. I have mentioned the poor fluid interchange around the penalty area. The space and gaps seem to be obvious, but Isak seems to be constantly having to reset and then missing the pass in the process. Or the ball is played elsewhere.
Not another deJong
Nov 29, 2024 at 4:37 AM
Comment #470Eddie Howe seems to have a raison d’etre about the way football should be played and the way to success is to train harder at it, or get better players to carry out the strategy. He has certainly made nufc incredibly successful in a very short space of time, without the huge investment in every transfer window made by others. His methods have made incredible improvements to players, but the ‘low block’ seems to be his Achilles’ Heel.
If we could play PSG every week life would be incredible although perhaps repetitive, but I would imagine their manager would adapt their style of play to eventually counter the intensive pressing. I am not doubting Eddie but I am struggling to understand why we can continuously be undone and look so ineffectual in certain matches. Naturally it raises a multitude of questions and urge to see changes, but ultimately the manager will either be found wanting or, more hopefully drive us to success.
magscar
Nov 29, 2024 at 6:11 AM
Comment #471Nadj
Yeah I think we all can see what type of tactics derail us often but not always
We don’t (yet) have creative playmaker in midfield to get best out of Isak although we do often make odd chance but don’t finish them enough
Whilst Eddie can see what the problem is he does seem to struggle with what he has available to find an effective way through
To be fair in games like West Ham, Brighton and Everton we had probably enough chances just different players spurned them .
Don’t score when you are on top and we know what inevitably happens
So until we easily make chances against low block we need players to finish those we do better
Not another deJong
Nov 29, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Comment #472magscar
At the risk of being accused of making heavy weather, the stats show we are one of the lowest scoring sides this term (in contrast to last year). I would predict the amount of chances created are also down. Relying on ‘moments’ rather than tactically created openings.
A Geordie Mongrel
Nov 29, 2024 at 7:04 AM
Comment #473Eddie’s presser should be live on the app at 9:30 this morning. Eddie’s Bingo here.
https://www.nufcblog.com/2024/05/19/newcastle-finish-7th-with-good-4-2-win-but-now-wait-on-europa-conference-qualification/comment-page-4/#comment-3052978
Mund
Nov 29, 2024 at 8:16 AM
Comment #474Two posts around 1:30 am by Lesh to Fenham then another an hr and half later at around 3am…
The auld fart needs help
magscar
Nov 29, 2024 at 8:34 AM
Comment #475Nadj
If I recall stats correctly for some games ( not sure about Hammers) we have a lot of shots but few on target
Nevertheless maybe opposition error rather than our creativity affords us more
Whatever – we need to resolve and maybe Wilson if his return can be sustained can help on the finishing side
I’m not sure 442 is the answer so if he and Isak were to play together would that mean another choice for that left side attacking role we are overstocked for 🙂
Poet Of Prudhoe Park
Nov 29, 2024 at 8:45 AM
Comment #476If pif had to sell club because of license probably sell it to a private saudi individual
Mund
Nov 29, 2024 at 8:55 AM
Comment #477Happy Birthday to the main man Eddie Howe
Long live Eddie
HWTL
Adamn_92
Nov 29, 2024 at 9:04 AM
Comment #478It does feel like the team is close to being able to cosnsistently win games regardless of the play style they choose against us.
The low block is definitely the one that we can’t crack yet, with maybe just one creative playmaker added to the mix, being the key we need to unlock wins in those types of games.
All the other tools are there really:
Defence with two amazing young full backs and solid young center half to come back into the mix
Midfield with a mix of creativity, technical ability and combative work rate
Attack with clever movement, pace and clinical finishing
Just need that playmaker in the mix and get everything firing. All the tools we need are there.
Adamn_92
Nov 29, 2024 at 9:07 AM
Comment #479Is Eddie the one who can get all that clicking consistently?
Time will tell.
He’s done it before, had a tough patch, then been able to do it again.
This season, despite some underwhelming performances and results, we’re still well in the mix to finish in a European spot as things stand. So it’s far too early to make any damning assessments. Howe has turned things around before and he certainly has time and resources to do it again.
Mund
Nov 29, 2024 at 9:11 AM
Comment #480Links to Ben Seghir
Exciting talent and one Mitchell should know a lot about.