Andy Sixsmith

With Wembley tickets out for #NUFC fans, I asked Eddie how many texts he’d had asking him for tickets?

💬 “Not that many! So if you want to jump on!? 😂 It goes with the territory. Wembley needs to be bigger from Newcastle’s perspective!! We want to see as many of our supporters there as possible.”

#NUFC team news ahead of Manchester City tomorrow:

✅ Anthony Gordon has trained this week and is ok.

⏳ Dan Burn had a scan and has improved this week. He’ll be very close for City.

❌ Sven Botman also had a scan. No longer term issue, but likely to miss tomorrow’s game.

A lovely tribute from Eddie Howe on Miguel Almiron:

💬 “A very special player & a very special person. A very bubbly bright personality but behind the scenes ultra professional.”

“The goals he scored in the Champions League season will be remembered for a long time. He’ll be greatly missed.” #NUFC

#NUFC team news ahead of Fulham tomorrow:

⚽️ Callum Wilson won’t make the game but is back in training and there’s a chance he could make the games after Fulham.

🏹 Harvey Barnes is, ‘a little bit behind’ and is 2-3 weeks away.

This is how Eddie Howe spent his Saturday night after the Bournemouth defeat:

💬 “It stings. It hurt. But I had to watch it straightaway when I got home - lovely Saturday night for me! I had to find the answers for my own peace of mind. I like to face the reality and not hide away from it.” #NUFC

#NUFC team news ahead of Southampton this weekend.

🧤 A chance Nick Pope could be in the squad. “We’ve seen him do really good things in training this week.”

⚽️ Too early for Callum Wilson. “He’s still on track for early February and has made good progress. A massive player to welcome back.”

I asked him what sort of #NUFC would Newcastle fans see this weekend against Southampton. His answer?

“We’ve come back mentally refreshed now and this weekend, the #NUFC fans will see the Newcastle United they’re used to seeing. Positive. Front foot. Energetic.”

One of the things I like about this #NUFC squad is how honest they are. Tino Livramento no different yesterday when I sat down with him:

💬 “It hurts. It was a shock, the way we lost. The dressing room wasn’t a nice place to be but we only have ourselves to blame. That was nowhere near my level.”

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak:

💬 “We couldn’t regard Alex highly enough. Immense contribution. I think he’s capable of Vardy’s record - he just needs to keep enjoying his football and hopefully the run continues.” #NUFC

#NUFC team news ahead of Bournemouth tomorrow.

🇨🇭 Fabian Schär did train yesterday but not 100% with a nasty cough. Will assess today.

🧤 Nick Pope won’t make the squad tomorrow but might be, ‘close for next week’

⚽️ ‘Pretty much’ the same squad as the Wolves game.

These Eddie Howe quotes from our interview today hit right.

💬 “Without a doubt Newcastle is in my blood. My kids are 100% Geordies.”

“That’s what we have to do as a team. Live it. Every second. Take that responsibility & make our people proud. We’ve gone on this beautiful journey together.” #NUFC

A 9th straight win for #NUFC - up to 4th - and Sven Botman back to his best. He’s set Alexander Isak a challenge, speaking to me post-match:

💬 “I’m very happy for him but the record for the whole Premier League is scoring in more than 8 consecutive games right? So he should be aiming for that!“

Eddie on Martin Dubravka:

💬 “No change with Martin. Discussions will take place. I’m not directly involved in them. I think he’s handled himself really well. There’s been a lot of noise but when I look at him he’s exactly the same. He’s kept goal well and let nothing affect his psychology.” #NUFC

Mixed #NUFC team news from Eddie Howe this morning:

🇸🇪 Alexander Isak, ‘there or thereabouts’ for Wolves night. “Fingers crossed he’s fit,” said Eddie.

❌ Harvey Barnes ruled out for, ‘a few weeks’ with a thigh muscle injury.

🇳🇱 Sven Botman - warning signs of fatigue hence rest against Bromley.

What a month - what a season Alexander Isak is having. Undoubtedly the hottest striker in Europe right now, and the scary thing is, he’s getting better with every game. Deservedly the Premier League Player of the Month. 👏 #NUFC

Dan Burn’s been immense for #NUFC this season hasn’t he? Eddie had this to say about him:

💬 “Without a doubt one of my best signings. He’s been incredible.”

“We knew he was talented but when you add the leadership skills and consistency, he’s been fundamentally important in everything we’ve done.”

Eddie Howe on a potential Sven Botman return for #NUFC :

💬 “He’s in and around my thoughts [for the game against Tottenham] He’s trained incredibly hard to get himself into a good position. Three games and lots of internal training. I’ll have to make a decision to see who best fits the position.”

Remember when Bruno Guimaraes was accused of a, ‘lack of athleticism’? That was hilarious, wasn’t it… Covered every blade of grass tonight & revelling in this number 8 role he’s playing in. 👏 #NUFC

Eddie Howe & Newcastle United going from strength to strength. This a performance of maturity & professionalism tonight; solid defence, a midfield full of balance & and an attack led by the world’s best in Alex Isak. What a way to round off 2024. In 5th & right in the Champions League race for 2025.

Plain and simple from Eddie Howe in his programme notes today:

💬 “We know that we’ve set ourselves a standard which we now have to work incredibly hard each day to maintain.” #NUFC

That has to continue today against an Aston Villa side that have lost their last 4 Premier League away games.

St James’ looking resplendent for a big Boxing Day clash today - #NUFC welcome Aston Villa to Tyneside - with these sides possessing the two worst Boxing Day records in Premier League history... Newcastle have lost 16 times on this day - Villa, 15! What’s going to give today?

Eddie Howe on Alex Isak:

💬 “It’s all about refinement with Alex. I don’t see a weakness in his game. For that sum of money we paid he had to hit the ground straight away and he’s done that. Huge credit to him. It looks like he’s hitting his best rhythm now.” #NUFC

#NUFC team news ahead of the Villa clash on Boxing Day:

👍 Joe Willock fine after being substituted against Ipswich.

⏳Taking a look at Joelinton today after having to have stitches following the Brentford Cup game.

🤕 Nick Pope - no definitive date for his return.

Also, can we talk about Jacob Murphy? There’s a reason Eddie Howe keeps picking him. Contributes goals, assists (including that super backheel for Isak’s 3rd today) high work rate and fits in so well to the #NUFC system. And he’s just a class bloke as well. An important part of this Newcastle squad.

What a difference a week makes. 11 goals, a semi-final & an on-fire Alex Isak later, #NUFC look a different side, back to the high intensity, high powered team everyone hates to play. Huge credit to Eddie Howe & the players. Momentum built. Confidence created. A crucial Christmas period lies ahead.

A lot of love for Sandro Tonali in Eddie Howe’s presser this morning:

💬 “You can tell a lot from the celebration of the goal. I think Sandro will know the depth of love he has from #NUFC fans, especially on matchday with the chants & flags he’s seen. Delighted to see him playing at his best level.”

#NUFC team news ahead of Ipswich this weekend:

🤕 Joelinton suspended anyway, but ‘battered and bruised’ with stitches around his ear and a cut mouth.

👍 “There’s some tired bodies but refreshingly energetic because results have been good. Will make assessments on how everyone looks today.”

#NUFC will play Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final. First leg will be at Emirates Stadium, with the return at St James’ Park. It was always going to be a difficult tie with Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal all left in the draw, but that second leg at home could be crucial…

Last week, Eddie Howe asked for confidence, consistency and momentum from his #NUFC team - he’s starting to get all three. Thumping win over Leicester on Saturday - a comprehensive quarter-final win tonight. Onto Ipswich now - with another League Cup semi-final to look forward to in January.

Tonight’s the first time Sandro Tonali has scored two in a game for his club since he was a Milan player back in 2022! And what a pair of goals they were too! Really looks like he’s found his feet for #NUFC - super player.