The international break is over and Newcastle United can now fully focus on the final 10 games of the Premier League season. With the silverware dream over, Eddie Howe and Co know they have one key goal, and that is to qualify for European football.
The Magpies kick off the weekend against West Ham at St James' Park on Saturday lunchtime, with Howe knowing that and the game with Everton on Tuesday night, represent an ideal chance to get six valuable points in the bag. The United head coach as the usual array of injury concerns which have dogged his side all season.
Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes all missed the FA Cup defeat at Manchester City but could be back this weekend, while Sven Botman and Lewis Miley have been added to the long list of absentees which include Nick Pope, Joelinton and Callum Wilson. We'll have updates from Howe this morning as they happen, plus all the build up to Saturday's big game right here on ChronicleLive.
Key Events
Newcastle to 'attack' West Ham
We are back at home, Howe said. We left on a good note in our last game against Wolves and we are desperate to carry that on again. This is a home game. Expectation will be on us. We will attack the game in the way we know we can.
Eddie Howe: "Let's not throw the book at Sandro"
The news that there was an FA charge, that illness didn't stop when he moved to England. That illness was there and people should look it that way - not let's throw the book at him and punish him even further because I don't think that gets to the root of the problem. We need to protect all our players. This is something that's open to everybody and becoming a bigger problem in society. This isn't just a problem for Sandro.
Eddie Howe clears up Sven Botman situation
We sought specialist opinion on that injury [initial knee injury] and there were conflicting reports coming back on what he should do next. Ultimately, our medical team advised him to have surgery. He wanted to carry on playing and we're always trying to guide the players, but ultimately it's their bodies and they have to make the final decision. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the injury eventually.
Eddie Howe targeting a strong finish to season
With these 10 games, it is an opportunity for us to finish the season strong. We are looking for consistency in results. We are focused on building and finding some positive momentum.
Will Sandro Tonali's ban be extended?
We don't know - I certainly hope for Sandro that there is no further consequences. He has suffered during this period, Eddie Howe said. He has sought help. He has been very honest. He has admitted he has an issue.The best thing for Sandro would be for him to take his punishment having learnt a lot of lessons from this."
Key takeaways from Eddie Howe's press conference
- Newcastle United's medical team advised Sven Botman to have surgery when he had his initial knee injury, but he wanted to carry on. Eddie Howe said: "You can't force a player to have an operation no matter what an opinion may be internally...Sven was very certain in his mind what he wanted to do."
- Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento could all return to squad against West Ham. Newcastle are seeking a specialist opinion on Lewis Miley.
- Sandro Tonali's FA charge was 'no surprise' to Newcastle internally as he has 'cooperated from day one'. Eddie Howe does not want the authorities to 'throw the book at him and punish him further'.
- Amanda Staveley has been in 'really good spirits' and since been back at the training ground following her court case.
Chris Sutton prediction
The BBC pundit has been talking Newcastle vs West Ham
"League position is all Newcastle have to play for now and I don't think Howe can afford to let this campaign peter out. They are four points behind seventh-place West Ham with a game in hand, so a win here would be massive for them.
"And, while Howe's side have not been as strong defensively this season, I still always feel they have a goal in them. That's why I reckon they will edge this."
Prediction:Newcastle United 2-1 West Ham
Callum Wilson
Former England striker Jermain Defoe feels Newcastle United No 9 Callum Wilson could yet feature in Gareth Southgate's England squad, if he can return to fitness soon.
"I think if he can keep himself fit he's someone that can score goals. I've always liked Callum, I played with him a little bit at Bournemouth. He's a goalscorer, a good finisher and calm in front of goal.
"We've seen it over the years but in those forward areas, there's loads of players who can definitely make an impact. But Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are two."
Dwight Gayle
Former Newcastle United No 9 Dwight Gayle spoke with Lee Ryder this week about his time at St James' Park. He may have left the club under Eddie Howe, but he's a big fan of the United head coach.
First part of exclusive interview with Dwight Gayle
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) March 28, 2024
Emotional farewell to #nufc as Eddie Howe showed class
Coaching legacy
New goals with Derby Countyhttps://t.co/YOGQxCAI4g
Sandro Tonali
We'll see if Howe is able to answer any questions on Sandro Tonali given the new FA charges announced yesterday. Here's the club statement.
"Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules.
"Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club's full support.
"Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time."
Morning
Hi everyone and welcome to this morning's press conference live blog. It feels a while since we've had a chance to sit down with Eddie Howe due to the international break, with the Newcastle United head coach along soon to talk West Ham, injuries and Europe.
We'll have updates on all United's injured players, with Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes in with a chance of returning this weekend, plus how Sven Botman and Lewis Miley are after their recent injuries.
Plus there'll be an assessment of what Newcastle can realistically achieve in their final 10 games. Updates right here as they happen.
