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  • Newcastle United linked to ace striker Hugo Ekitike

    Newcastle United linked to ace striker Hugo Ekitike

    When Saudi Arabian billionaires freed England’s greatest underachievers from Mike Ashley’s prison of despair, little did the fans know that they are in for some treat as the steep rise of the men from Tyneside continues.

    Earlier this week The Magpies were linked to Arnaud Kalimuendo, the young PSG attacker and this time they have hit the news for reviving their interest in Hugo Ekitike after the French teenager had rejected a deadline day move to St. James Park in January. With Callum Wilson, Chris Wood, and Dwight Gayle all approaching their thirties, a young striker might be at the top of Newcastle’s wishlist, with Kalimuendo being one of the names circulating.

    Rising through the ranks

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    Carrying out the legacy of producing sensational talents in Ligue 1, Stade de Reims’ new bet is Hugo Ekitike. Hugo Ekitike started off his football career in Reims’ youth system. In 2020, he signed his first official contract with Reims and went to feature in 23 matches, with 9 times his name being on the scoresheet. He also had a brief loan spell at Danish Superliga club Vejle Boldklub in 2021, where he played 13 times scoring 3 goals and assisting another one. Due to a hamstring injury, he has been out of action since February, with Reims falling significantly and winning only three games during his absence. He is yet to receive his senior international call up but has represented Les Blues in U20 matches a couple of times and is just a few days away from being in contention to get his debut should he continue his promising development.  

    Hugo Ekitike – Player analysis

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    Off the ball movement

    Ekitike has a lot of weapons in his arsenal with his off the ball movement being one of the finest. The closer he is to the opposing goal, the better. As the season has progressed, he has improved the potency of his threat against defences by focusing more on runs in behind. Ekitike’s off-the-ball movement is especially noteworthy because of his timing. He timed his movements quite well, typically attempting to stay behind the defender. 

    Great positional awareness

    The 20-year-old also possesses the intelligence to indulge in one-touch finishes. This comes from his excellent game reading skills and a good sense of positioning. To add to that statement, Ekitike’s goals this season have mostly come in fast-paced circumstances where he has had to finish quickly with one touch. This demonstrates Ekitike’s strong spatial awareness, scanning vigilance, and tactical acumen in skillfully manipulating the shape of the opposition with minimal movement.

    Work rate

    Long and intelligent mobility, persistence, aggression, and a strong work rate are all crucial attributes for Ekitike in the last third and when defending in deeper areas. As indicated in the previous section, Ekitike has a habit of finishing off one touch a lot, and his movement and anticipation allow him to do so. Ekitike’s work rate and persistence enable her to get on the end of rebounds, which might mean the difference between one and three points in a football game. His defensive actions per 90 also contribute to his team’s success, averaging 1.10 interceptions per 90 minutes puts him in the 99 percentile amazon top players in Europe’s top 5 leagues, which is complemented by his 1.25 tackles per 90, making him a regular participant in his team’s defensive activities. 

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    Do Newcastle United need him?

    In one word, yes. Eddie Howe had strengthened the squad in the January transfer window with a few additions, thanks to their newly found riches. Although, the attack is a department that lacks a proper goalscorer. Newcastle’s highest goal scorer, Callum Wilson is over 30 and is very injury prone as he has only featured in 15 matches this season. Chris Wood, The Magpies’ new acquisition from Burnley has not lived up to do justice to his name. Although Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on other strikers, Hugo Ekitike is surely an interesting prospect.

    Hugo Ektike’s future

    With that 6ft 2in frame, Hugo Ektike is a promising forward with skills in off-the-ball movement, one-touch finishing, persistence, work rate, driving into space, and standing ball protection. Meanwhile, Ekitike’s one-touch passing, physicality, heading accuracy, and 1v1 dribbling are all critical areas for him to strengthen in order to advance to the next level of his development. The stable platform he’s been given at Reims appears to be critical to his current growth, which is why not hurling himself into the thick of a Premier League relegation battle on transfer deadline day was a more than prudent decision. However, a move to arguably the world’s most competitive league might even cement his place in the list of generational talents. 

    MUST READ: Does Chris Wood have a future at Newcastle United?

  • Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Match Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Match Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Jurgen Klopp marshals his men as Liverpool travel all the way to Tyne to face a spirited Newcastle United side in the clash between the two teams in the Premier League, at St. James’ Park, on Saturday.   

    Liverpool and Newcastle lock horns in the Premier League for the second time this season. The last time the two sides faced each other, Klopp’s side eased past the struggling visitors, 3-1 at Anfield. 

    However, a lot has changed since then. A new owner has certainly played the biggest of all parts in that development for Newcastle. From going all out in the winter transfer market, to literally outclassing themselves every time they step on the pitch. Although they have had a few downhill moments in there, like a thrashing at the hands of Spurs, but they have now got stability and a belief in the squad.

    Going into the match on Saturday, Klopp and co. will be favoured to repeat the heroics again as they did at home back in December. But they know, it is easier said than done.

    Meanwhile, Eddie Howe would be wary of the fact that it’s one of the most difficult challenges to face Liverpool given the current run the Reds are on. But they will be looking to get the backing of the thousands of home fans in black and white to at least get something out of the matchday.

    WHEN & WHERE?

    Venue: St. James’ Park.
    Date: Saturday, 30th April 2022.
    Time: 11.30 AM GMT.

    THE LAST TIME THEY FACED EACH OTHER

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    Jurgen Klopp’s men came back from behind to beat Eddie Howe’s side, the last time these two sides faced each other in the Premier League, back in December. However, to be fair to the Magpies the scoreline does not show how well they played for the first quarter of the game. 

    But football is not about quarters, it is about how well you can do for the whole 90 minutes without lagging behind. And the Reds did just that. Despite trailing the game for the first 20 mins of the game, through a Jonjo Shelvey free-kick, Liverpool scored 2 goals in 2 minutes to gain the upper hand in the game. 

    Both Jota and Salah scored one after the other before Trent Alexander Arnold wrapped it up at the very end with one of the best strikes of the season to make it 3-1. 

    While the Reds will be expecting a similar kind of result, the home fans will be eyeing for a spirited performance from their side given a change of squad setting this time around- if it is anything to go by.

    HOW CAN NEWCASTLE HURT KLOPP & HIS TACTICS

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    Liverpool goes into the matchday, on Saturday, with 12 wins out of 13 on the trot, in the Premier League – including a draw against Manchester City.

    It is not a fluke when you’re in such an explosive form. Be it in the Premier League, or across Europe, it seems nothing is going out of sorts for Liverpool this season. Jurgen Klopp, without any doubt, has set up a hardcore squad that has adapted to the German’s heavy-metal system. But even they have had moments that could prove fatal in the match if committed again.

    No doubt Eddie Howe will look to work on these low moments to hit the in-form Reds. The English Gaffer will surely look to exploit the defensive highline of his counterpart German’s Liverpool. Recently, they have been keeping a very highline of defence, often exploiting their custodian Alisson – who has been superb between the sticks this season. 

    Newcastle United have the newly found rhythm now and the services of the newly bought Brazilian midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes, to rely upon. They showed in their last game against the Canaries, in the 3-0 victory, how they will be going about their business in the last few remaining games of the season. 

    The Magpies are on a hot run themselves, with 4 wins in 4 games, while the new boy Bruno has been keeping his hot goalscoring intact as well. Thus, this overall show of courage and hard work have proved vital for Eddie Howe’s side as they rise from the brink of relegation up to the top half of the table – they currently sit at 9th going into the matchday. And they will at least look to scrap out a result with all of these plus points on their side.  

    Overall, this could be a huge battle between the 2 sides as Newcastle will try and continue to set their mark. And as for Liverpool, well, they will just keep doing what they have been throughout the season and will look to go above Manchester City for the time being, until the Cityzens play Leeds later on Saturday themselves. This title race is taking its most lethal form, as the end nears.

    MO SALAH – A THREAT IN HIMSELF, LET ALONE THE WHOLE LIVERPOOL SIDE

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    It shouldn’t come as a surprise if it got reported that Eddie Howe worked more on stopping Salah than he did on Liverpool, coming into the game on Saturday. And why not so? The Egyptian has been in such tremendous form this season that it is hard not to include him in your team talks, as a manager. 

    While Mohamed Salah had to recover from 2 heartbreaks with his national side, first AFCON then World Cup qualifiers, both at the hands of his club partner, the Senegalese international Sadio Mane. The Egyptian has been much harder to stop, now that he has success on his mind with his club.

    While this season has been a spectacle to Salah’s brilliance. It has been accompanied by Liverpool’s great form as well. From setting up the Egyptian to scoring the goals after getting at the end of his passes, teammates have been greatly supportive in Salah’s rise. He already is leading the top scorers’ chart, with 22 goals throughout the league campaign so far. Whereas, he has also assisted another 13 goals for his teammates in the Premier League this season. These stats add up to a total of 35 goal contributions in just 31 league games. Not to ignore the fact the Egyptian left almost 3-4 weeks of club football action, due to the AFCONs.

    Jurgen Klopp will be more relaxed than the two managers, going into the matchday on Saturday, as he also got his other African forward, Sadio Mane, back in form. The combination of Salah and Mane have been running riot in the last few weeks, giving a glimpse from the old days to some of the Liverpool fans. 

    Mane has scored 4 goals and has also provided an assist, in the last 6 games for Liverpool across all competitions. No doubt the travelling fans will be expecting more of the same from their delightful African duo.

    Team News

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    The home camp is suffering from the quartet’s injury for a very long time now – Trippier, Wilson, Jamaal Lewis and Isaac Hayden. While Eddie Howe is also missing the like of Ryan Fraser going into the game.

    However, they have coped up well with all the winter signings playing their exclusive roles whenever called upon. The likes of Almiron, Schar and Shelvey were rested in the last victorious game against the Canaries, and Howe would love to deputise them back into the squad after the week’s rest.

    Meanwhile, there have been no severities in the away camp. Klopp and Liverpool are coping well, with the hectic period. Bobby Firmino is the only known player to have been going through a niggle, but the Kop could expect to see their Brazilian magician back any time soon.

    It could be very well expected that the German will make a few rotations to the starting XI that came out triumphant against Villarreal in the mid-week.

    Predicted Lineups

    Newcastle United predicted XI vs Liverpool: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett; Shelvey, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin.

    Liverpool predicted XI vs Newcastle United: Alisson; Trent, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Mane, Jota.

  • Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain’s Arnaud Kalimuendo

    Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain’s Arnaud Kalimuendo

    Newcastle United have had the most ameliorated performance in the Premier League after the winter transfer window. Currently, they are sitting in 9th position with 43 points from 34 matches. The revamp arc under their new ownership started in winder transfer window, where Newcastle made a few additions to their squad with the likes of Trippier, Bruno and Chris Wood.

    But this is still a start to what looks like a very bright future at Tyneside. And according to the reports The Magpies have enquired about the services of PSG youngster, Arnaud Kalimuendo. Newcastle United would be desperate to fight off interest from domestic rivals Leicester City in their pursuit of Ligue 1 teenager Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to Foot Mercato.

    Arnaud Kalimuendo – Player profile

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    The 20-year-old French youngster, Arnaud Kalimuendo, came through the ranks at PSG which he had joined in 2012. The Suresnes born has made 4 appearances for the senior side before being loaned out to Ligue 1 rivals, Lens in 2020. In his 2 years loan tenure, he has bagged 19 goals and 6 assists in 64 matches for Lens in Ligue 1. His loan deal expires at the end of this season and he is supposed to return to Parc de Princes. A not so prolific goalscorer, Kalimuendo has been touted as a youngster with great potential and can reach up to great heights if nourished properly.

    Statistics

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    This season, the 20-year-old has 10 goals in 30 Ligue 1 games, putting him three goals ahead of Seko Fofana in the team’s scoring records. He is under contract with PSG until the summer of 2024 and is valued at £10.8 million by Transfermarkt. Arnaud was an efficient goal scorer in the youth levels where he has almost 60 goals by his name in 2 years. At the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil in 2019, he finished third with the U17 team, scoring a hat-trick in the third-place play-off to defeat the Netherlands 3–1. He has an impressive record of 4 goals in 9 games for France U21. He also won the Titi D’Or award in 2020, which is given to PSG’s most promising young prospect. Kalimuendo’s manager at Lens, Franck Haise, believes he possesses all of the qualities that a modern striker requires, describing him as the ‘prototype striker of the present.’

    What does he bring to the table for Eddie Howe?

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    Eddie Howe currently possesses 2 center forwards in Callum Wilson and Chris Wood. The former is very injury prone as he has only featured in 15 matches this season while the latter has only found the net 2 times since his transfer from Burnley. With 0.47 goals per 90,  Kalimuendo is an obvious upgrade over the 33-year-old Chris Wood ( 0.17).

    The Frenchman has also out-performed his xG of 7.6 by scoring 10 league goals this season while on the other hand, the Kiwi striker has been below par with his xG of 7.1 by netting only 5 times this season (but it’s lot different playing top tier English football and especially the role that Wood plays beyond netting balls). Kalimuendo also has a much better pass completion rate with 82.8 % as compared to Wood’s 62.2 %.

    What next for Arnaud Kalimuendo?

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    Arnaud does have the option to get back to Paris and try his luck in the senior team but the truth is PSG have a plethora of attacking options. It would be very tough for the youngster to break into the playing 11. The Ligue 1 champions are open to offers for the youngster at around 11 million euros. When it comes to recruiting the 20-year-old, Newcastle has a few roadblocks to overcome. Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City team could cause a snub, while PSG is yet to make a decision on his future. Newcastle could blow the cash ahead of the 2022/23 season, given their enormous wealth. Chris Wood’s recruitment was a flop, and they’ll need to bring in a consistent goalscorer in the summer. While Kalimuendo is far from prolific, with the appropriate training, he could become one. Kalimuendo’s contract in Paris is currently set to expire in 2024.

  • Does Chris Wood have a future at Newcastle United?

    Does Chris Wood have a future at Newcastle United?

    It’s no secret that Newcastle United will be on the lookout for a new striker this summer as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his vastly improved squad for the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

    Several names have indeed been linked with the Magpies in recent months. Ivan Toney, Hugo Ekitike, Darwin Nunez, Taiwo Awoniyi and Patrick Schick have all been rumoured to be on the verge of a move to St James’ Park in the past and with the club harbouring lofty ambitions to get on top of the English football pyramid then acquiring a top-quality and consistent goalscorer could well set them on the way to achieving those aims.

    There’s a strong reason Eddie Howe is prioritising a striker in the summer window. Callum Wilson who has indeed proven a valuable member of the squad for a long while and still surprisingly remains their top scorer this season with six goals despite being out of action since before the new year – his last appearance was against Manchester United in December. The former Bournemouth striker’s constant injury troubles mean he may no longer be relied upon to fire the club and their new owners to where they aspire to be in the future.

    Before Wilson’s injury, the club were desperately on course searching for a striker to challenge the England international for a starting spot in January. They were close to sealing a deal for Stade de Reims’ young wonderkid forward Hugo Ekitike. However, a move for the 19-year-old did not materialise as he felt he wasn’t ready to leave the Ligue 1 outfit so soon in his rapid development.

    Who knows, the club may move for him in the summer again providing he is up for the challenge but it was soon to be another window in which Newcastle failed to acquire targets despite their new and exciting takeover.

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    After their long search, they instead went for Burnley’s Chris Wood – along with Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn – locating an almost secretive release clause in the New Zealand international’s contract and activating it to steal him from their relegation rivals. A £25m move certainly frustrated Sean Dyche and the Claret’s faithful but left some Toon Army fans bewildered.

    Wood could have no complaints, in fact, it was a move in which he felt he could further establish himself as a proven Premier League goalscorer for a bigger club after impressing at Turf Moor where he hit an impressive 49 goals in five seasons.

    Four months on though, and the 30-year-old has failed to live up to his price tag and set St James’ Park alight. In fact, out of all of Eddie Howe’s January investments, the 23-goal New Zealand star has proven the biggest disappointment. However, that says more about how well the other four signings have done, rather than how poorly the Kiwi striker has performed.

    In 14 games for the Geordie outfit, he’s only registered two goals with one of them coming from the penalty spot. In all competitions, he’s only hit five so far making this Premier League campaign his most unproductive.

    The club are indeed blessed that their stunning form in recent weeks has not only been via their significant defensive improvements under Howe but that the goals are flying in from elsewhere on the pitch, not least their new star player in the Brazilian maestro Bruno Guimaraes who’s registered three so far.

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    While Wood has become a nuisance up top, battling and engaging opposition defences and making sure they are kept busy, his efforts in front of goal have proven few and far between.

    As stated previously, if Newcastle United are to reach the pinnacle of English football in the next few years, then they would surely require a consistent goalscorer and their £25m-man has so far flattered to deceive.

    What will of course be Wood’s saving grace is that he has been quickly thrust into the side considering Callum Wilson’s injury and the club’s lack of a capable back-up – Dwight Gayle just isn’t at the required level to lead the line.

    The former Burnley star wasn’t provided with a bedding-in period to slowly acclimatize himself to Eddie Howe’s system, but the questions regarding his suitability to Newcastle’s lofty and ambitious cause will still remain while’s in this tepid form.

    As harsh as it may seem, the Toon Army want a Shearer-type figure leading the line again, someone who can fire the club to relive the glory days back then.

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    It still remains to be seen whether Chris Wood is up to the job. Yes, the club will be in the market for an elite forward this summer, but the Kiwi star still deserves the time to come good. He could well become a valuable option off the bench when things get sticky in matches next season. He offers something different and allows Newcastle to mix their game up with his physicality.

    Eddie Howe has often played with two strikers during his managerial career, which is something he might move towards with the Magpies. If he does that, it will increase the player’s importance in the squad. To be fair to Wood, he has worked tirelessly since his arrival at St James’ Park. He’s brought more than just goals. He’s defended from the front and got more out of the players around him.

    £25m just isn’t worth chucking down the drain just yet, fans should water down their huge expectations. He’s only been around for four months and that’s why they must be patient with, and continue to hold the belief that the Auckland-born striker could become one of the key figures in helping the club achieve their rather exciting aspirations.

  • Newcastle United to join the race for the signature of Brentford’s Ivan Toney

    Newcastle United to join the race for the signature of Brentford’s Ivan Toney

    The Telegraph reported this week that Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford after ending their pursuit of Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

    Nunez, 22, is looking for a big move this summer with his intentions of competing for the UEFA Champions League & so Newcastle United have switched their attention to Toney. The Northampton-born Englishman has had an amazing first full Premier League season with Brentford scoring twelve and assisting four meaning he has contributed to 40% of the goal scored by The Bees.

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    Once a Newcastle player when they signed Toney from his boyhood club Northampton Town, he was never given a fair opportunity to compete for the first team & was subsequently on loans to Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United & Wigan Athletic before permanently leaving the club in 2018 and he signed for Peterborough United who were playing in League One. Ivan shined for Peterborough scoring 49 goals in 94 games. There he caught the attention of Brentford and they secured his services for £5m and around £10m with add-ons beating the likes of Tottenham Hotspur who reportedly wanted him to play as a backup to Harry Kane.

    Toney helped Brentford to secure Premier League football for the first time in the club’s history while also breaking the record for most goals scored in a season in The EFL Championship scoring 31 times in 45 games. A lot of Premier League clubs were linked for a move but Toney decided to stay put and now has solidified Brentford’s stay for another year.

    But Ivan Toney has made some indications that he wants to leave The Bees with a video appearing online where is seen saying “f*** Brentford” for which he has already apologized to the supporters and ‘also vowed to make up for the incident by giving his all for the Bees in the final four months of the Premier League season.’

    Brentford will “look to take advantage” of cash-rich Newcastle this summer if they decide to swoop for their star striker Ivan Toney.

    WHY DO NEWCASTLE NEED IVAN TONEY?

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    Since Eddie Howe’s appointment, The Magpies have ahead leaps and bounds in terms of progress on the pitch. Newcastle had failed to win any of their opening 14 matches which saw Steve Bruce lose his job and with new owners in came Eddie Howe, who was previously sacked by AFC Bournemouth. Since then Newcastle sit second in the Premier League form table – behind only Liverpool. Since January 22 they’ve taken 28 points from a possible 39. They’ve won nine out of 13.

    The Magpies have started to score goals but lack a lethal striker who can score 15-20 goals every year. Joelinton has been transformed into a central midfielder to help out the team in defense solidarity and ball progression while Callum Wilson rarely is fit to complete an entire season of the Premier League. The club did splash the cash on Chris Wood from Burnley but so far has just managed two goals in about 1200 league minutes.

    Standing at 5ft 10in, Toney is excellent in the air and is a physical specimen winning 4.6 aerial duels per match. He is also versatile having played in multiple systems for Thomas Frank, playing a 3-4-3, 3-5-2, and a 4-3-3 system. A hard worker on and off the ball, Toney knows how tough it is to play when teams did not have the lion’s share of possession. He is also an underrated creator laying 1.3 chances for his teammates.

    With the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruno Guimarães, and Kieran Trippier all providing excellent service, The Magpies are after a striker to put away all the chances created by these players. Brentford are understood to have put a £30m price tag on their striker. It remains to be seen whether Ivan Toney will want to return to the club that sold him to Peterborough for just £650,000 four years ago.

  • Norwich City vs Newcastle United: Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Norwich City vs Newcastle United: Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Norwich City’s improbable fight to survive in the top flight will be put to another test as they welcome Newcastle United in their own den on Saturday, 23rd April in the Premier League. Dean Smith managed side, sits bottom of the league and is just 6 matches away from being demoted to the Championship. 

    Following the Saudi led takeover in 2021, Newcastle United are at 2nd place in bagging the most points in 2022 with 9 wins in 14 games, they are ahead of Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea and among all others. The Magpies are currently in the 11th spot, 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

    When and Where?

    Date: Saturday,  23rd April 2022.
    Time: 3 pm (BST).
    Venue: Carrow Road stadium, England.

    Match officials

    Referee: Chris Kavanagh.
    Assistants: Marc Perry, Mathew Wilkes.
    Fourth official: James Linington.
    VAR: Simon Hooper.
    Assistant VAR: Wade Smith.

    Team news

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    Brandon Williams will be back after being ineligible to play against Manchester United last weekend. While all-time absentees include, Ozan Kabak, Adam Idah, Joshua Sargent. Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour might even feature in the playing 11 after being used as a substitute in their last defeat to The Red Devils. 

    Newcastle United will be without their leading goal scorer, Callum Wilson. Other names in the loss are Kieran Trippier, Jamal Lewis while Ryan Fraser working hard to regain his fitness as confirmed by the head coach. 

    Match Analysis 

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    Norwich City put up a strong display in their last outing at Old Trafford last weekend as they deserved to come home with a point but Ronaldo’s hat trick helped Manchester United to have the last laugh. The Canaries are not out of the woods yet, but they will have to work hard to avoid relegation at this juncture in the season, as they are now eight points behind 17th-placed Everton, who have a game in hand. Norwich City have just one win in their last 6 matches and have leaked 11 goals during their period. Barring Teemu Pukki, none of their attackers have found their mojo yet. Norwich City boasts the distinction of having the second-worst home record in the Premier League this season, with only 12 points from 16 games, and they’ll be up against a confident Newcastle side. Although they display a very impressive home record against the Magpies. 

    Under their new manager, Eddie Howe, Newcastle United have shot upto to the 11th spot in the league only a win away from being in the top half of the table. Having won their last 3 games, Newcastle United are cashing in on some pretty good business in the winter transfer window. With Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood firing up at the right time. On paper, the Magpies have a difficult conclusion to the season ahead of them, with matches against Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Burnley in their next four, but they will be optimistic moving into it. 

    Key player

    Teemu Pukki 

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    The Finnish frontman is arguably the only player who might make a difference on the match day. In this season he has contributed to 13 of his team’s all 22 goals this season. His intelligent off the ball movement has aided him in scoring goals as well as creating space for his teammates to rush into. His link-up play has also been outstanding, as he is adept at creating space and then passing the ball to teammates in the final third. 

    Bruno Guimarães 

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    The 24-year-old is naturally found near or even between the centre-backs, where he can pivot and distribute as needed. His short passing is always precise and well-intentioned, frequently fizzed into feet before a return angle is given, but his diagonal shifts are the most stunning. In possession, the Brazilian midfielder wastes little time, taking only one touch to set himself up before spraying perfectly-floated passes to either full-back. Despite being deployed as a defensive midfielder, the Brazilian has 3 goals and an assist by his name in the league. A complete midfielder, Bruno falls in the 97 percentile of both tackles and progress passes. 

    Predicted lineups

    Norwich City predicted XI vs Newcastle United: Tim Krul; Sam Byram, Hanley, Gibson, Williams; Gilmour, Normann, McLean, Lees-Melou, Dowell; Pukki.

    Newcastle United predicted XI vs Norwich City: Dubravka, Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett, Bruno, Shelvey, Joelinton, Almiron, Wood, Saint Maximin. 

    MUST READ: Who is Giovane? – Norwich City interested in Corinthians youngster

  • Newcastle United vs Leicester City: Match Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Newcastle United vs Leicester City: Match Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Newcastle United welcome Leicester City to the St. James’ Park on Easter Sunday, as Premier League fans and fanatics gather for a festive clash in Tyneside.

    Since their successful takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Newcastle United have looked like a different outfit from the one that started the season. The new era for the Magpies became six months old last week, as an encouraging start and a very good January transfer window has seen them climb outside of the relegation zone and are now 10 points clear of 18th placed Burnley. Newcastle fans will be looking eagerly towards the new season with the owners promising a blockbuster summer transfer window.

    Eddie Howe has overseen a change in fortunes and form for the Magpies, and he will be hoping to take them as far up the table as he can this season. They put in a strong shift last weekend against Wolves, winning 1-0 and keeping their 5th clean-sheet of the season.  Newcastle United currently sit in 15th, 3 points behind 10th placed Crystal Palace, and will be hoping to put some pressure on Palace by getting another win this weekend.

    Leicester City have not had the best of seasons, failing to match the heights they reached in the previous two seasons. The 19/20 and 20/21 seasons ended with two consecutive top 5 finishes, but will have to settle for a mid-table finish this season. Luck has not always been on their side, with Brendan Rodger’s squad hit with injuries consistently throughout the season. They have not been able to string a run of positive results this season, and the end of the season cannot come sooner for Leicester fans.

    Leicester are almost certainly out of any European spot this season, with the Foxes also failing to get anything out of their Europa League campaign and were relegated from the competition to the Europa Conference League. They were drawn to play against PSV in the quarter-finals, and were successful in the second leg, winning 2-1 away from home after a goalless draw at home in the first leg. That win meant that the Foxes are unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Arsenal in the league on March 13th, and their form will provide a boost for them on Sunday. Now they turn their attention to the league again, with a clash against Newcastle United their second in four days.

    WHEN AND WHERE:

    Date: Sunday, 17th April 2022.
    Time: 1.15 pm BST
    Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. 

    MATCH OFFICIALS:

    Referee: Jarred Gillett.
    Assistants: Dan Cook, James Mainwaring.
    Fourth official: Martin Atkinson.
    VAR: Lee Mason.
    Assistant VAR: Wade Smith.

    TEAM NEWS:

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    Newcastle United will be without full-backs Kieran Trippier and Jamal Lewis, striker Callum Wilson and midfielder Isaac Hayden who are all long-term absentees. Joe Willock is suffering from a knee injury and is unlikely to feature against Leicester City. There is another blow for the Magpies, with attacker Ryan Fraser suffering a knock in the win against Wolverhampton Wanderers and had to be substituted early.  He is a huge doubt for Sunday, and is not expected to start.

    Leicester City will have defender Ryan Bertrand missing through injury, along with goalkeeper Danny Ward who has undergone knee surgery. 35-year-old striker Jamie Vardy is also ruled out for Sunday’s game, but is likely to make his return soon. Defensive midfielder Wilfried Ndidi has also been missing from action since mid-March and is not expected to play again this season. Rotation could be a heavy feature on Sunday, with Leicester returning from a gruelling trip to the Netherlands, and Rodgers will have to take the fatigue of his players into account.

    ANALYSIS:

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    Newcastle United were expected to be relegated prior to the takeover, with their poor style of play under then manager Steve Bruce. However, since the takeover and Eddie Howe’s arrival, Newcastle have not only changed their style of play, but Howe has also improved a few players in his time here. While the Magpies usually played with a 3-5-2 formation under Bruce, Howe has changed that radically with an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

    A masterstroke by the new manager was playing Joelinton in a midfield position, to which the Brazilian has adapted very well. He has put in some very good displays from his midfield position, and that has improved Newcastle’s performances as a team. Howe insists on developing a possession-based style of play, something that was rarely seen in Bruce’s tenure. They build out from the back and progress up the pitch, stringing passes along which was gladly welcomed by Newcastle fans.

    Just like Howe, Brendan Rodgers is also a great proponent of possession style of play. It was seen in great quantities in his Liverpool team and the 20/21 Leicester City team. However, with injuries and unavailability of players playing a big part, Rodgers has had to adapt his playing style accordingly. He has at times given up control of the ball to defend deep, and that has really hurt the Foxes. Unlike Howe, Rodgers prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, with James Maddison as the number 10- a role where he has flourished- and Kelechi Iheanacho as the sole number 9, making the runs in behind the opposition defence.

    On Sunday, these two teams meet again, with their previous meeting at the King Power Stadium going Leicester’s way, who thumped the Magpies 4-0. However, Newcastle have vastly improved since that fateful day, in terms of squad quality as well as playing style, and it will be a very interesting clash to witness. Both teams have shown a penchant for playing with possession, which will make for a very tough midfield battle. The Foxes are still missing Wilfried Ndidi who is a very important figure in their midfield, and it could well give Newcastle United the advantage.

    KEY PLAYERS:

    Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall

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    Following Tripper’s injury, the side’s creative plays are now heavily dependent on French winger Allan Saint-Maximin. The team’s primary ball carrier, Saint-Maximin ranks in the 98th percentile for progressive carries and dribbles completed in Europe’s top five leagues and creates 4 shots creating actions per match. He had a very lively outing in their win against Wolves, playing a crucial part in breaking their 3 game losing streak. Against Leicester City, Saint-Maximin will again be the danger-man for the Magpies, and he will create problems for Luke Thomas, the Leicester left-back. With 5 goals and 3 assists so far, he is their second-best goalscorer and joint top in assists provided, and will be looking to improve on that record come Sunday.

    Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall

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    The young English midfielder is a product of the Leicester City Academy, making his debut in January of 2020. He made only one appearance, subsequently going on loan for the next 18 months. However, a series of injuries in the Leicester squad saw the 23-year-old make his Premier League debut this season on 28th August 2021, and since then has been a regular feature in the starting 11. He has put in some strong performances of late, and has become a reliable choice for Brendan Rodgers. With a goal and assist in last weekend’s win against Crystal Palace, Drewsbury-Hall has all the makings of a future star, and will be expected to line up in the Leicester midfield again on Sunday.

    PREDICTED LINEUPS:

    NEWCASTLE UNITED XI: Martin Dubravka; Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Matt Targett; Bruno Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton; Miguel Almiron, Chris Wood, Allan Saint-Maximin.

    LEICESTER CITY XI: Kasper Schmeichel; James Justin, Caglar Soyuncu, Wesley Fofana, Luke Thomas; Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall, Youri Tielemans; Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, Ademola Lookman; Kelechi Iheanacho.

  • Newcastle United tipped to ‘gamble’ on Nicolas Pepe

    Newcastle United tipped to ‘gamble’ on Nicolas Pepe

    Newcastle can play  ‘gamble’ on Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, with a loan to buy offer this summer – according to former Leeds striker Noel Whelan.

    During the 2018-19 Ligue 1 campaign, scoring 23 goals and adding 12 assists, the Ivory Coast forward became Arsenal’s record signing in 2019 by joining in a deal of £72million from Lille.

    Nicolas Pepe has become somewhat of an enigmatic presence since – with the Gunners being tipped to cut their losses this summer, despite making an impressive start to life at The Emirates. Certainly, a replacement for the 26-year-old is yet to be found by Mikel Arteta, but with the ideologies, we’ve seen Mikel believe in – he’d definitely want him off before bringing anyone in through that doors at London Colney.

    Rumours has it that Arsenal are willing to let go of Pepe for around £25m, with Newcastle tipped as potential suitors.

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    Whelan spoke about Nicolas Pepe with Football Insider: “He’s been a massive failure – that’s for sure. When you consider the money they paid for him, he’s been very average. It’s a really bad bit of business from Arsenal. If they can get £25 million for him, they need to be taking it – even if it’s a massive loss.

    “Teams will be reluctant to pay that sort of fee for an inconsistent player like Pepe, though. It may well be a loan-to-buy deal. He’s really not contributed enough. Whether the Premier League is too tough for him? I don’t know – we know he came from France, which is a far easier league.

    “A loan move may be something that Newcastle might fancy. These are the sort of players they will be targeting. He could turn his career around and end up being that big-ticket player. But right now, it’s a gamble.”

    Having scored 27 goals in 107 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, Nico is not considered a complete disaster. Nonetheless, he forged his given price tag and reputation in France, the Reds from North London have to be disappointed with his overall contribution.

    MUST READ: Newcastle United’s 3-man goalkeeper shortlist

  • Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Match Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Match Preview | Premier League 2021/22

    Newcastle United will look to bounce back from three consecutive defeats in the Premier League as they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to St. James Park.

    The Magpies were humiliated by Tottenham Hotspur as they put five past Martin Dúbravka‘s net. Having gone 1-0 up through a Fabian Schär free-kick, the North London club took control of the game and comfortably secured the three points to keep them in the mix for a Champions League place finish. Meanwhile, Wolves continued their push for a Europa League finish with a win over Midland rivals Aston Villa.

    WHEN & WHERE?

    When: Friday, April 8
    Where: St. James Park.
    Time: 20:00 BST.

    MATCH OFFICIALS

    Referee: Peter Bankes.
    Assistant Referees: James Mainwaring and Wade Smith
    Fourth official: Tony Harrington
    VAR: Jarred Gillett.
    Assistant VAR: Derek Eaton.

    RECENT FORM

    Newcastle United Premier League form: L-L-L-W-W

    Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form: W-L-W-W-L

    TEAM NEWS

    Newcastle United

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    Newcastle United have a long list of absentees for this game. Callum Wilson, Isaac Hayden, Kieran Trippier, and Jamal Lewis are all out through injury concerns while Miguel Almiron has tested positive for COVID-19 & Federico Fernandez is out owing to an abdominal issue. Joe Willock is a doubt after he injured his knee so that might sign that Bruno Guimaraes could make his first home start for the club on Friday night.

    Joelinton is expected to make it for this game after he was ruled out of the visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while Emil Krafth and Jacob Murphy are pushing to return to the starting side.

    Wolverhampton Wanderers

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    As for Wolves, Raul Jimenez will continue to serve his three-match ban so Fabio Silva could be assured of starting role in the side and Ruben Neves being out for the season after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury to his knee against Leeds United means that Leander Dendoncker should continue alongside Joao Moutinho.

    PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS

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    Wolves come into the match unbeaten against the Magpies having last tasted defeat against them back in a Championship clash in February 2017. The Midlands club are much improved under the tutelage of Bruno Lage both in terms of league standings and overall quality of football. He has stuck to some of Nuno Espirito Santo’s key principles such as employing a three-man backline & also continuing to show faith in Conor Coady, Ruben Neves, and Raul Jimenez. But his man-management skills coupled with his ability to nurture talents like Max Kilman and Rayan Ait-Nouri, Lage has made Wolves a more watchable team again.

    It’s a similar story in Newcastle where a change in ownership and management along with an excellent winter transfer window has propelled them from a side of relegation battlers to one which will stay in the Premier League for many more years to come. The Magpies appointed Eddie Howe after letting go of Steve Bruce who was not a fan favorite owing to the tactics he deployed during his tenure. Howe has managed not only to change the way the team plays but also has averted the possibility of relegation.

    Newcastle are in a bit of a slump currently. After their nine-game unbeaten streak was broken by a last-minute Kai Havertz winner, they have gone on to lose to Everton & Tottenham. Kieran Tripper’s absence is hurting the team as his leadership and ability to organize his side on the pitch is something Newcastle are seriously missing. Wolves managed to comfortably overcome a lackluster Villa side. Spanish defender Jonny struck a spectacular half-volley after only seven minutes before Villa defender Ashley Young inadvertently scored an own goal to make it 2-0. Lage will look to continue Wolves’ domination against Newcastle though Eddie Howe does have the ability to pull out a result when his side needs one.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

    Allan Saint-Maximin

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    Following Tripper’s injury, the side’s creative plays are now heavily dependent on French winger Allan Saint-Maximin. The team’s primary ball carrier, Saint-Maximin ranks in the 98th percentile for progressive carries and dribbles completed in Europe’s top five leagues and creates 4 shots creating actions per match. No doubt his end product needs improving with just 5 goals and 3 assists in this campaign. But under Eddie Howe, a manager revered to play an attacking brand of football, Allan can rest assured that it will improve drastically.

    Fabio Silva

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    Fabio Silva needs to start turning up his game or else he risks his Wolves career. A Jorge Mendes managed player, Silva moved to the Midlands club on a reported £35 million from FC Porto. But things have not gone according to plan. Silva’s lack of playing time has hurt his development too much. At 19 years of age where other young prospects continue to get thousands of minutes, Fabio has managed to get 346 Premier League minutes and with no goal, output to show for it. Consecutive Premier League starts should give him the confidence and allow him to kick start his Wolves career.

    PREDICTED XI

    Newcastle United: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Shelvey, Joelinton; Murphy, Wood, Saint-Maximin.

    Wolverhampton Wanderers: Sa; Boly, Coady, Kilman; Jonny, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Marcal; Podence, F Silva, Trincao.

    PREDICTION

    Newcastle United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

  • Newcastle United’s 3-man goalkeeper shortlist

    Newcastle United’s 3-man goalkeeper shortlist

    After the Saudi takeover in January, Newcastle United are flying under manager Eddie Howe with the Magpies moving out of the relegation zone and are currently 14th in the league. The impressive turn in form is a result of the 4 signings made in January which saw Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Chris Wood moving to St. James’ Park. Eddie Howe wanted to strengthen his backline and the 3 new defenders certainly have improved Newcastle’s defence with the Magpies conceding only 5 goals in their last 8 outings. If they are to avoid relegation this season which seems highly likely given their form, the upcoming summer transfer window will certainly be one to keep an eye out for. The Magpies are rumoured to sign a world-class goalkeeper to further strengthen their defence and provide competition to the current keepers’ Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.

    Let’s take a look at the goalkeepers who are heavily linked with a move according to various reports.

    Dean Henderson

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    The English international has played second fiddle to David De Gea at Old Trafford with the player reportedly unhappy with the lack of game time. The 25-year-old will have an eye out for the upcoming FIFA World cup in Qatar and will certainly want to be a part of the 22-man squad Gareth Southgate will select in November. Henderson has had only 5 starts all season in all competitions for the Red Devils and a move to St. James Park will certainly be a good decision with a guaranteed spot in the first team. The transfer fee is reportedly set around 20-25 million pounds with Manchester United prepared to let their number 2 leave in the summer. His ball distribution and shot-stopping abilities will certainly be a boost for the Magpies who should be aiming for a mid-table finish next season.

    Kepa Arrizabalaga

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    The departure of Thibaut Courtois in the summer of 2018 saw Chelsea splashing the cash on Kepa Arrizabalaga from Atheltic Bilbao for a reported fee of 75 million euros on a 7-year contract. It certainly hasn’t been the move both the parties would have expected with the Spanish goalkeeper being made the number 2 at the club behind Edouard Mendy. A massive dip in form and problem in settling into the new club has left the 27-year-old searching for a new club to revive his career and a move to Newcastle United could be on the cards. Chelsea will be prepared to let the keeper leave in the summer which would save the club 200k pounds a week in wages which would be an opportunity for the club to cash in on him. Newcastle United seem to be a great club for the Spanish keeper to revive his career and fly to Qatar in December for the FIFA World Cup.

    Bernd Leno

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    The summer signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United has been a revelation for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who see themselves 4th in the standings and a return to the Champions League well within their sights. The English goalkeeper who joined the Gunners for 25 million has overtaken Bernd Leno in the pecking order and established himself as Gunner’s number 1. Leno on the other hand had a massive dip in form towards the end of last season which saw him lose his place in the starting XI with 3rd choice keeper Emiliano Martinez being selected over him. The German will look to move away from London this summer with multiple teams in the Premier League teams interested. Newcastle United are considered to be the frontrunner with the Magpies searching for a new number 1 and Leno would be the solution with a move is likely to be in the region of 25-30 million.