Newcastle United have two games remaining in which to guarantee sixth spot in the Premier League, starting with Wednesday night's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brighton was something of a missed opportunity, but with Erik ten Hag's men losing to Arsenal on Sunday, the Magpies know a win in the North West will mean the Red Devils cannot catch them on the final day.
Then it would be matching Chelsea's result - depending on how they fare at Brighton in midwweek - and sixth place would be in the bank. That's easier said than done, of course, and Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will have plenty on his mind when he faces the media this morning.
He has some selection decisions to make, with Alexander Isak not 100 per cent against Brighton, while Nick Pope, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron are pushing for a place in the starting line-up. Callum Wilson missed the draw last weekend while we'll also get an update on whether Kieran Trippier is ready to start after he made a welcome return as a late sub on Saturday. We've got all that and more from Howe as it happens right here.
Wilson and Isak latest
The full verdict on Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson:
Big praise for Elliot Anderson
Elliot has come through the Academy here. When I first came to the club, we were aware of him and his talents. He’s really worked on all aspects of the game, and I think he’s been really reliable for us.
Whatever position I have used in him, he has done very well. Tactically I have asked him to do a couple of things that the team has needed, and he’s done it very well. I am really pleased with his level of maturity and his tactical understanding.
Europe on the line
Howe's only focus is securing European football...
We find ourselves in this position, and it is where we deserve to be. We will be hoping to finish off these two games strongly. We must make sure our players go to Manchester United in really good spirits, confident and prepared. Our motivation is to qualify for Europe.
More on Nick Pope's return
Nick has come back from a serious injury, a big problem to a big area of the body for a goalkeeper. He has still been getting his rhythm back from the training work he has been doing. I am really pleased with how he’s looked. He has continued to improve through training, every game I have a decision to make and that will be another one.
Schar update
He’s working his way back. Doing a mix of training and being with medical staff, making really good progress from a hamstring problem, we’ll wait and see if he’s available for tomorrow’s game.
A 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season
It was a moment where we were begining to experience injry problems. The response from the players was incredible. A real team effort. But whenever you go back to a stadium, that game has no relevance. This is a new challenge for us.
Starts for returning stars?
Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier have emerged from the bench in recent games:
It's nice to have those options. I need to look at them individually, I can't lump them together. Joey's was a serious injury and required an op. I need to make sure he's the Joe we know. Not someone who is trying to find his rhythm.
It's the same with Miggy and Nick. They're vital. Their presence is vital.
Is Longstaff still suffering?
The midfielder was taking painkilling injections to overcome a foot issue recently:
I do believe he's still aware of the injury that he had. As far as I'm aware, I don't think he's having those injections still. I think he's been feeling better physically. He's doing a lot of attacking work and finishing work with the coaches and is benefitting from that - as is Bruno.
How is Alex Isak?
It was illness but I don't think it's a serious illness. He didn't train yesterday but we'll see if he trains today. Fingers crossed he will. He wasn't feeling 100% and I think you could see that. We knew on Friday that he was slightly under the weather.
First up - Wilson
The striker missed Saturday's draw...
We haven't seen Callum yet so we'll see if he's available to train today. If not, I'm sure he'll be fit for Brentford.
Newcastle injuries
Eddie Howe has some decisions to make this week, but thankfully it's largely about players returning.
Joelinton,Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almiron continued their recoveries from injury with substitute appearances against Brighton. Whether any of the trio are fit to start a game remains to be seen, but with just one more game to come, we could see some changes at Old Trafford.
Callum Wilson is again a concern having missed Brighton, while Alexander Isak was withdrawn early and Howe later admitted he was 'not 100 per cent'.
Definitely out are Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley and Matt Targett, with Sandro Tonali still suspended. Full injury update from Howe on the way and you can read more about the Isak concern here.
Old Trafford repairs
We all saw the rain pouring down in torrents at Old Trafford after Manchester United's defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, with the 'leaky' roof again the cause for concern, and reports of flooding in the away dressing room.
However, Newcastle have been assured there will be no safety issues on Wednesday night, despite the forecast of more rain. Images today showed workmen inspecting sections of the roof, with repairs carried out ahead of the big game.
Read more from Lee Ryder on the issue here.
Morning
Hi everyone and welcome to today's live blog as Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe looks ahead to Wednesday night's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Magpies don't often win at the famous venue . . . but came home with a 3-0 Carabao Cup win in November so will travel in confidence. Erik ten Hag's side are struggling for form and results, having lost to Crystal Palace and Arsenal and only drawn with Burnley in recent weeks.
However, Newcastle were disappointed not to beat Brighton on Saturday and, with Chelsea in good form, know the important of a win tomorrow night in the race for sixth. Stay tuned for live updates from Howe this morning.
