Tough game. Every time I’ve watched them this season they’ve been absolutely class. Solid at the back with a lot of threat going forward.
Shouldn’t risk Lavia if he still isn’t 100%. Especially if it’s a knee issue. Let him rest until after the WC.
We are currently in 20th position in the league, for points won at home. Newcastle have conceded the fewest number of goals of any team in the league this season. (And this despite the fact that Howe 'can't organise a defence'). Can't see anything other than a comfortable away win. 0-2. Sorry. If we were at full strength, we would give them a good game. But with weakened RB and DM I think it will be backs to the wall for most of the game.
In fairness them having a good defence doesn't mean he can organise one as he's still only recently taken over a club with 5/6 years of defensive mentality beforehand. I'd wager their defence will begin to fall apart by this time next year. Everton had an excellent defensive record in Roberto Martinez first season iirc.
Not sure I totally agree. I mean i get the sentiment, but he brought in Trippier and Burn, and has them playing the way they are now, whereas they regularly shipped goals for fun. 21/22 - 62 GA 20/21 - 62 GA 19/20 - 58 GA 18/19 - 48 GA 17/18 - 47 GA Clearly, he has done something in organising a defence that had been utter dogshit for years.
Time will tell mate. I still expect it to fall apart end of this season or this time next but we'll see soon enough
Yep, so do I, and dont think Howe will be there in a year, 18 months tops, but still think he has affected their current position, and defence you cant argue much about. Still, after we hit 4 past them tomorrow, I’ll believe you more…
I think that Eddie Howe would've done a great job for us and made us entertaining to watch which is a priority for me. The Toon fans love him btw.
I know, I’ve always liked Eddie. We could have lured him easily too, however his profile and stock has risen significantly now.
One thing that seems to have been taken on board by every team we play is the way they aren’t giving us free kicks in JWP territory. Tomorrow would be a good day for a bit of indiscipline from the Geordies to give James a chance. Edit I hope we show enough discipline to ensure we don’t give Trippier a chance.
There’s no doubt at all they’ve gone from being a shambles to a serious outfit since he came in. How much of that is down to him time will tell, but some of it must be.
Well it's all relative; I think shambles is fair, but say inconsistent and frequently poor if you prefer.
