The picture could look very different for Newcastle United when play resumes in the Premier League later this month.
After losing 3-1 to Brentford on Sunday, Eddie Howe refused to press the panic button, as his stars were afforded some relaxation time before the hard work begins again in the next few days. With Manchester City due on Tyneside, Howe’s team sheet could look different for the next home game, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall edging closer to fitness.
Yoane Wissa will also be eased back into things in time for December, meaning the team sheet could be altered significantly. The feeling behind the scenes is United will only get stronger as the season progresses, and when other teams are having a blip, Newcastle will be ready to attack it.
Even a rejig involving Howe’s two flying full-backs gives the Newcastle XI a totally different dynamic, and fans know it. Howe won’t hesitate to change anything that isn’t working – just ask a clutch of stars like Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Jacob Murphy and Sven Botman that question. After all, they were hooked in Premier League matches in recent weeks when not hitting the right notes.
Howe doesn’t need a reminder that Newcastle needs an away win or two, but by the same token, there is an air of calmness behind the scenes. For all the noise after Brentford, Howe’s record as Toon boss stands up to them all on Tyneside, with only Kevin Keegan having a better win ratio.
A glance at the Premier League table is also telling, with Newcastle sitting in ninth place despite some injury problems and the exit of Alexander Isak to Liverpool. The Magpies have 14 Premier League victories, four draws, and 12 defeats from 30 games across 2025 in the Premier League.
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