Tonight’s visit of Aston Villa to St James’ Park (5.30pm) could hinge on two of Newcastle’s newest signings. £51m forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, still seeking a goal, and teenage midfielder Sean Steur, who has just dropped to the bench.
Newcastle are 11th with eight points after two 4-1 away defeats, at Leeds last month and at Coventry on Monday. Matthias Jaissle blamed individual errors at Coventry, saying that the result could not be explained by formation or tactical approach. But his 4-2-3-1 system and the balance of his midfield remain the main talking points among supporters.
The £51m wait for a goal
Fernandez-Pardo, a 21-year-old Belgian, joined Newcastle from Lille on deadline day. He has yet to score in the Premier League and has missed a couple of good chances at Coventry. However, he has been playing through the middle, though there seems to be scope to move him out wide.
Jaissle says that the new signings need time to adapt to the Premier League. He said he was advised to be patient until winter but admits that the club does not have that luxury. However, he believes that the chances will come and that a goal would restore the forward’s confidence.
Some fan sites are speculating that Fernandez-Pardo could be moved wide tonight, allowing Wissa or Osula to play through the middle, but that will only be known when the team sheet is released.
Steur knocking on the door
Steur arrives on a five-year deal from Ajax. The 18-year-old has played in five of Newcastle’s six league games but was left on the bench against Coventry. The club has chosen to leave the teenager out in favour of Nico Gonzalez.
Jaissle says the teenager is ‘knocking on the door’ and has not ruled out playing the pair together. But both will have to show they can offer enough protection to the back four.
Newcastle have scored in each of their home league games this season and are yet to keep a clean sheet at St James’ Park.
Goals likely at both ends
The home record has a bit of a positive twist. Newcastle have managed to score two goals in each of their three home league games, earning two draws against Liverpool and Bournemouth and a win against Hull.
Villa arrive at St James’ with some intriguing problems. They are 16th with five points, having conceded 11 goals in six league games, but they have also won at Villa Park for the first time this season in the Champions League. The Lions were beaten 6-0 by Fenerbahce on Wednesday, while they recorded a surprise win at Newcastle in January.
That combination of defensive insecurity and attacking verve makes for a potentially entertaining encounter.
If Fernandez-Pardo scores a goal, or if Jaissle finds a midfield partner he can work with, it would be a good result for a club that has endured a challenging week.
If not, it will only add to the pressure on the boss.
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