Newcastle United return to St James’ Park on Wednesday night looking to extend their Premier League winning run to three matches as they face Leeds United in a midweek matchup with very different meanings for both sides.
After an up-and-down first half of the season, Newcastle United have brought themselves back to contention for a top-5 finish and another season in the Champions League if they can clinch one of those places.
Consecutive league wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace have lifted Eddie
Howe’s side into ninth place, narrowing the gap to the European positions down to just two points entering Wednesday. The improvement has been driven largely by home form, with Newcastle again relying on St James’ Park to provide stability amid an increasingly congested January schedule.
The Magpies face a demanding run that includes domestic cup games and Champions League matches, making squad management and rotating players a much-needed priority. Newcastle, however, remain vulnerable to lapses and usually struggle against opponents with a willingness to press aggressively.
Leeds arrive in stronger shape than their league position suggests. Daniel Farke’s side sit 16th on 22 points but are unbeaten in seven league matches, drawing with several top-half teams and putting some distance between them and those in the relegation zone and the bottom four.
The Whites have lost only once in their last three Premier League visits to St James’ Park, and Newcastle have won just one of the last seven league meetings overall.
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
On Murphy and Elanga’s fitness…
“He’s (Jacob) had a scan. No major injury there so I think it was probably fatigue. His physical numbers in the game were outstanding. I think he’ll be available. It will be a late decision but fingers crossed.
“I don’t think he’s (Anthony) quite there yet. It’s just taking a little bit longer in the final stages than we’d hoped. It won’t be long.”
On Joe Willock, who suffered racist abuse on Instagram following Sunday’s victory against Crystal Palace…
“I really felt for Joe to read that and absorb the words that were sent to him. His reaction was first class. It’s such a shame that any football player or any individual has to read those words and I can’t support him enough and give him love at this moment.”
On Fabian Schar, with the Swiss defender reaching 250 club appearances last weekend…
“It’s some effort from Fabian. He continues to impress. I think he’s an unbelievable character. When you work with him everyday, he’s cool, calm and collected but you see on the pitch in his body language and demeanour that he’s someone that cares so deeply about the football club and what he does.
“He’s been such an important player for us over the last few seasons. His technical skills are quite obvious when you watch him play. He’s got that big heart that every defender needs [and] puts his body on the line continually for us.
“I think he’s been outstanding. What a signing for the football club and great to see him still going and playing so well.”
On aiming to build momentum…
“A good feeling after the Crystal Palace game. It was a big win for us, tough opposition and a tight game. Pleased to come out on the right side of it and I think, with another home game to come, it’s a great thing for us. We love these evening games.”
On Leeds United, winless in their last seven Premier League away games…
“They’ve come back into the Premier League and done really well. I think the first game we had against them, we saw very early in the season how strong they could be this year. I thought they were really good that day and it’s a tough game for us. Daniel (Farke) has done a really good job.
“Last year, they got promoted off the back of really expansive, entertaining football and now into the Premier League where they’ve done well defensively and looked solid which is a huge compliment for any team coming up because it’s so difficult to defend and keep clean sheets.
“They’ve also had the ability to score goals and look quite creative so a good unbeaten run for them, being good away from home.”
On Lewis Miley, who has started the Magpies’ last five competitive matches at right-back…
“I’m so impressed with Lewi. I’ve said this countless times in the last few weeks. To play a position that he hadn’t played before in the manner that he has is real credit to his football understanding and ability to take on new information and absorb that really quickly, being able to execute that under pressure has been a huge boost for the team at a time where we didn’t have another player for that position.
“We’ll take it on a game-by-game basis. Lewi’s done really well, especially on the ball the other day in some really tight areas, getting out of some difficult spots with his range and good touch.”
Howay!
- Date: Wednesday, January 7th
- Kick-off: 20:15 BST / 15:15 EST
- Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (England)
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