Golden nuggets from Howe before Newcastle host Man City in the Gulf Derby!
The defending Premier League champions, Manchester City, will take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in an attempt to cut down on their five-point deficit to league leaders Liverpool, while their hosts will look to close the 11-point gap that separates them from the top four spots in the league.
Newcastle, currently in ninth position, is eleven points behind Arsenal and City in third place, both of whom have 40 points, compared to NUFC’s 29 points from the first 20 games of the season.
The Magpies, who had a terrible end to 2023 and lost to Liverpool early in 2024, at least recovered last weekend with a 3-0 FA Cup derby triumph over Sunderland. To secure a Europa League berth by the conclusion of the season, Newcastle must, nevertheless, do every effort to enhance their Premier League performance in the second half of the competition.
Newcastle may potentially slide 14 points behind the top four in what would record their 10th defeat of the year if they lose to Pep Guardiola’s men at home. For comparison, NUFC’s five season-long losses during the previous
Howe will have to make do without Callum Wilson, Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Joelinton, Javi Manquillo, and Joe Willock, who looks like he’s going to take a little longer than anticipated to return.
John Stones and Erling Haaland were ruled out for the Baby-Blue Mancunians on Friday; Manuel Akanji, Bernardo Silva, and Kalvin Phillips will likely be decided at game time.
While City hasn’t fared much better, winning three of six and drawing two in their previous six EPL games, Newcastle comes into Saturday having won just one of their previous six games.
campaign tied a league-high with Man City’s losses during the 2022–2024 campaign.
“You should beat them as a team. They have had an amazing record in the last few seasons.
“They have the world’s best manager, and their style of play is hard to counter, but I think we can compete in this game.”
It’s not very good. Due to this injury, he will be out for at least six weeks.
It truly is a blow to us. He is such an essential player. He has a tendon issue in his quadriceps. We’ve had to make an effort to cheer him up because he is really disappointed and wants to play and do well. He is the key player in our midfield. It is a significant setback.
On Fabian Schar, who extended his United contract earlier this week…
“He is very confident without being arrogant – he believes in himself. As a person, he is the same—a terrific guy with whom I have a wonderful relationship.
“I believe his intelligence is evident on the field; he is a highly intelligent man. He is exceptionally skilled technically and makes excellent selections. Hopefully, Fabian’s new contract marks the beginning of another prosperous chapter in his life. He deserves it.
On getting to 650 games in management, a milestone he will reach on Saturday…
“That number makes me smile a little because there are a lot of games.” It doesn’t feel like that many, but it feels like it has passed by quickly.
“I recall that when I first started working in management, everyone made fun of my youth and lack of expertise. I eventually grew weary of those inquiries. Thus, it is now the opposite.
