Newcastle vs. Man City – Eddie Howe: Match Preview

SB Nation

Newcastle United return from the international break to host Manchester City at St James’ Park on Saturday evening. Eddie Howe’s side are looking to end a run of two straight league defeats, while City aim

to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.

Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford before the break left them 14th in the Premier League table, with only three wins from 11 matches. Despite that, Howe has the backing of the club’s hierarchy and hopes to see a response at home, where his team has won five consecutive matches in all competitions.

The Magpies have taken three-quarters of their league points at St James’ Park this season and have won just once in their last 35 league meetings with Man City.

Pep Guardiola’s side travels north in strong form, having won 11 of their last 14 games across all competitions. A 3-0 home victory over Liverpool in their last outing moved City to second place, four points off the top.

Though dominant at home, City have been less convincing away, with only two wins from five league trips this season. However, they have scored in each of their last 33 league encounters with Newcastle and have 12 Premier League wins at St James’ Park, their joint-most against any opponent.

Newcastle will be without suspended defender Dan Burn, while Joelinton is in doubt after suffering an injury before the break. Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Will Osula will be game-time decisions and have slim chances to feature, but Lewis Hall is nearing a return. Nick Woltemade will again lead the line after scoring three goals for Germany during the international break.

Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk

On Gordon’s fitness…

“Anthony Gordon is very close. He’s worked well during the break and he’s touch and go for the game. We’ll make a very late decision.”

On Livramento…

“He’s very close. He’s trained in the international break which is great to see. He’s such an important player for us and it’s great to have him back training with the group.

“He’s done a lot of work. He’s been very, very good professionally with how he’s dealt with the injury and the work he’s done with the physios so I’d say he’s in good shape.”

On being back in league action after the break…

“Regardless of results you have something to prove in every game. You have, most importantly, yourself to consistently answer any questions you have about yourself and I want the players to respond this weekend.

“Everyone is hurt from those two away games we had in the Premier League. I’m keen to get the games going again.”

On goalkeeper Nick Pope, who was substituted at Brentford with a head injury…

“Nick Pope has trained, and there’s no problems there.”

On being inducted into the Newcastle United Hall of Fame at Newcastle United Foundation’s Celebration Dinner…

“The personal accolades I find difficult because it’s never about me – it’s always about the team. I’m very grateful for the staff and everything they give me. When the accolade was put on my radar I decided to accept it on behalf of everybody.

“It was a great night and the Foundation do some incredible work. I was very proud to be there.”

On his side’s upcoming run of fixtures…

“It goes right to the end of January, and I think this is going to be a really enjoyable spell. We’ve really enjoyed the Champions League challenge and then going back to the Premier League and that yo-yo effect we have to deal with better. “It’s been a real challenge away from home and we have to navigate that better but I think we have to squad to cope with that, especially if we can get these last remaining players fit that have been close.”

On Yoane Wissa’s fitness…

“He’s working well. He’s not back training with us yet but he’s close.

“He’s working with the sports science team and almost entering a pre-season with them currently. He’s done a lot of work, he’s looked good and looked better with every session.

“He’s close to training with us but before he gets to there it’s difficult to give you a return date.”

Howay!