USG v NUFC The Pressure Is On

Newcastle enter tonight’s fixture under pressure. 

With just 6pts from the first six Prem games and an opening home defeat versus Barcelona in the CL, the pressure is on for Eddie and the team to get a result in Belgium.

On the opposite side, Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) came into the match in fine shape domestically and riding a wave of confidence: strong home form, and already having an impressive away CL win at PSV.

Eddie again has selection decisions to make, especially after the injury to Tino Livramento and the indifferent form of players like Gordon, Barnes, Murphy and Elanga and the continuing absence of Wissa and Ramsey. Woltemade will likely get no rotation rest and who partners him on the wings in a front three - if we line up that way - will be interesting.

On the tactical line up will Eddie play 433 or the 352 that he started with against Arsenal? 

Will he play Ramsdale or Pope who, despite some excellent saves, again showed his suspect passing ability that contributed to Arsenal’s last minute winner on Sunday.

USG are unlikely to be pushovers and, at home with the backing of their vociferous crowd, this will be a real test of Eddie’s team selection and tactics. A win is needed, not just to get us on track in the CL but also to bring back confidence in the team and fans for the four upcoming and winnable Prem games against Forest, Fulham, West Ham and Brighton.

As Ed would say… comments welcome.