Newcastle United head into tonight’s clash with Manchester United looking to end a horrendous run of three consecutive Premier League defeats at St. James Park.
Almost two full months have passed since Newcastle’s last home league victory, the incredible 4-3 thriller against Leeds United on January 7th.
But since then, The Magpies were outclassed by Aston Villa (0-2), bettered by Brentford (2-3), and put to the sword by Everton (2-3), meaning they have lost three consecutive home league games for the first time since February 2021, under Steve Bruce.
Fortunately for Eddie Howe’s side, progression in both the FA Cup and a first-ever trip to the knockout stages of the Champions League have provided a welcome distraction from their inconsistent league form.
But a defeat against an in-form Man United tonight could set alarm bells ringing even louder around St James’ Park.
Howe will Newcastle line up?
The main talking point coming out of Saturday’s defeat to Everton was Nick Pope’s howler, which gifted The Toffees their second goal, just after Newcastle had equalised.
Indeed, Pope’s form is becoming something of a concern, with the goalkeeper’s poor decision-making and spilled saves often leading to opposition goals this season.
But Eddie Howe is known for his loyalty, and despite Pope’s numerous errors this season, it would be a surprise to see him dropped for Aaron Ramsdale.
In front of Pope will almost certainly be Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Lewis Hall – the latter of which has been impressive throughout this campaign, and has often been Newcastle’s best player on the field in any given match this season.
Sandro Tonali almost scored a world-class goal to rescue a point against Everton; unfortunately for him, his effort was matched by an equally impressive save from professional mackem wind-up merchant Jordan Pickford.
Tonali has become more of a focal point than ever for the Magpies since captain Bruno Guimaraes was sidelined last month, and he will be orchestrating Newcastle’s midfield alongside the ever-improving Jacob Ramsey, and Joelinton.
The front three is a little bit harder to predict. Anthony Gordon has struggled to translate his prolific Champions League form into Premier League goals this season, but the scouse-forward is a useful option for Howe, given that he can play anywhere across the front three, typically starting on the left flank ahead of Harvey Barnes.
Barnes has featured on the opposite flank at times this season, but isn’t nearly as effective when starting on the right. He faces competition from veteran winger Jacob Murphy and the much-maligned Anthony Elanga, who is very quickly becoming one of Newcastle’s worst summer signings in recent years.
Elanga isn’t the only recent arrival copping a bit of flak from Newcastle fans. Despite a promising start to the season, Nick Woltemade has come in for criticism due to his recent performances and lack of goals, and with the German forward battling a sickness bug earlier this week, it seems unlikely he will feature at all tonight.
Big Nick’s omission leaves the door open for Yoane Wissa. Newcastle’s £55 million man has flattered to deceive so far during his time on Tyneside, missing much of the season through injury and returning just three goals in 20 appearances, but could a start against Man United be the chance to cement his place in the team that the Congolese striker finally takes?
Showing real Carrick-ter
The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their lowest in a generation, and looked to be on course for a similarly turgid season this time around, until Michael Carrick took over as interim manager.
Carrick, a Wallsend lad and boyhood Newcastle fan whose bedroom walls were once adorned by posters of black and white heroes, has transformed Man United’s season.
Since the Geordie took over at Old Trafford, Man U have yet to lose a league game, notching up impressive victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, picking up 19 points, and finding themselves third in the league.
Carrick referenced his regional ties yesterday: “My family have got [NUFC] season tickets, actually, so hopefully they’ll be supporting us [Manchester United], but maybe sitting in their end.
“Obviously I’ve got great memories. I made my Premier League full debut at Newcastle as a youngster [for West Ham], so it’s funny how things work.
“It’s a really tough place to go but we know that, we fully expect that. We’ve got to be at our best to get what we want from the game.”
A win against his former heroes this evening would strengthen the growing argument that Carrick should be handed the manager’s position at Old Trafford permanently, all while mounting further pressure on opposite number Eddie Howe.
