Newcastle United

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Eddie Howe says it is up to his Newcastle United players to prove they are "world- class" rather than the club keeping them happy with their league finish.

Newcastle have impressed in the Champions League and Carabao Cup so far this season, but find themselves 13th in the Premier League.

However, Howe, who lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool in the summer, stressed it was "not our job to necessarily keep any player happy in terms of where we finish in the league".

"Of course, we want to try and keep our best players," he said. "The only way we can do that is with what we deliver behind the scenes but, in a sense, the players have to show that they're these world-class players on a consistent basis.

"There's a lot of pressure on them, too, to showcase rather than all the talk being about players leaving. I don't think that's healthy for us.

"We're on a journey together and it's still yet to be clear what our destination is this season. We're still in the early stages. We've still got a chance for this to be a very special season for us."

Howe was speaking after midfielder Sandro Tonali made it clear that he was "happy" at Newcastle.

The Italian stressed he was not thinking "about another team", but stopped short of offering any assurances about his long-term future.

"Sandro has been very honest," Howe added. "He's happy and that's the key thing. He said he's enjoying his football and when I see him every day I see a player who is happy and feels fulfilled."

Holly Bacon
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe does not think Anthony Gordon's injury is serious but says it is likely he will miss out on Sunday. He says Will Osula's injury is also not serious but that he could be out for a few weeks.

• On Yoane Wissa, the Newcastle boss said his knee is "feeling good" and that it is now a case of looking at his fitness and sharpness. Howe says the timescale is unclear but he is sure the striker "will be worth the wait".

• He added: "The only frustration with this injury is that we haven't seen him, he wasn't with us when he did it so that has been difficult."

• Howe says Sandro Tonali has been "very honest" in his comments regarding the future and that "none of us can make massive statements about the future because life is so unpredictable and football certainly".

• The Newcastle boss added: "He is happy - that's the key thing - and enjoying his football. I see a player that is happy, feels fulfilled, happy in the team, with his team-mates, the environment. He loves it here in Newcastle. Our challenge is to keep providing him that environment, his job is to keep playing well."

• Howe says Sunday's game at Brentford is an opportunity to "showcase" that they can deliver away from home: "I know there's pressure on us. I know our away form hasn't been good enough, but we are determined to try and put that right. "

Hear more from Eddie Howe on BBC Sounds

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra commentary of Brentford v Newcastle at 14:00 on Sunday on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

How to follow the Premier League on the BBC this weekend

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England boss Thomas Tuchel has named his 25-man squad for the final time this year ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

The Three Lions have already secured qualification.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Newcastle are relaxed about Sandro Tonali's comments on his future and will not begin formal talks about a new contract for the midfielder until later in the season. (Mail Plus - subscription required), external

The Magpies are in talks with Sven Botman over a new deal, but fellow defender Emil Krafth is drawing interest from Copenhagen. (Mail Plus - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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With the countdown to the Celebrity Traitors final under way, we asked you which Newcastle player or manager - past or present - would make the best traitor and faithful.

Here are some of your comments:

Ian: It is a no-brainer. Only one possible traitor - Mr Isak. His behind-the-scenes behaviour and straight face would be ideal. Bobby Robson faithful to the end.

Andrew: Eddie Howe would be the best faithful! He is so loyal and leads the team, always working out ways to beat the evil Arsenal in semi-finals. But for a traitor? Does Isak count? Two-faced and only looked out for himself at the sake of his fellow players.

Mark: The best faithful has to be Kevin Keegan. He is black and white through and through. His passion, commitment and love for the club are undeniable. You always felt he gave everything for Newcastle United, whether as a player or a manager. As for the best traitor, Mike Ashley. He might not be a player or manager, but as an owner he consistently put his own interests first. His time at the club felt more about profit than progress, and many fans felt betrayed by the lack of ambition and care for the club's long-term future.

Michael: Isak. Traitor. No explanation needed.

Phil: Jason Tindall would be an obvious choice for our traitor - big personality on the touchline. The real dark horse would be Lewis Hall - quiet, unassuming, goes about his business. Could see him being an excellent traitor flying under the radar.

You can watch the final of The Celebrity Traitors live from 21:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Newcastle faced Athletic Club in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Here are some of your comments:

Rod: Nowhere near a performance of note but the main thing was the points and a clean sheet. Athletic Club were competitive and showed more individual skill than us despite injuries to key players. However, overall a big improvement on the West Ham performance.

Davo: Another win in the Champions League which is excellent, but we seem to have a problem passing the ball to our own players at times. If we do the same at Brentford and keep giving them the ball, they will destroy us. We need to stop giving it away so easily.

Ben: Not the most emphatic bounce back but we'll take it. A patchy first half, better second but still a long way off where we were last season. Lewis Hall looked different class.

Lee: Very poor performance. Midfield looked out of sorts, basic control of the ball seemed a struggle and passing not hitting the target. Woltemade again isolated upfront and Gordon doing little before going off. A win's a win though.

Michael: A win's a win but still a pretty average performance at best against a banged up team that were much better on the ball than us. Defending all round much better but so sloppy in possession and pretty predictable going forward. Joelinton looked good in the sense he was a willing runner to support Woltemade. Hall showed what we've been missing. But Newcastle are lacking creativity, lacking flair as usual right now. We are not adjusting nearly fast enough to a different kind of centre forward to what we were used to last season.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Five teams from one country had never all won in a single round of the Champions League matches prior to this season.

But Premier League sides did exactly that this week, as they did in the previous round of games. English sides have won 17 of 24 fixtures so far, a win percentage of 71%.

The richest league in the world is leveraging its financial muscle, and if this consistency continues, it could result in the Premier League earning a 'bonus' Champions League place for the team finishing fifth, as was the case last year.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul believes "the reaction was key" for Eddie Howe's side after falling to a shock 3-1 defeat to West Ham United last time out, as the Magpies soared past Athletic Club in the Champions League.

A pair of headers from Dan Burn and Joelinton saw the Magpies record three consecutive victories in a major European competition for the first time since 2007.

"It was all about how they dealt with the setback and clearly everybody realised that last weekend's performance wasn't good enough," Krul said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Going into the Champions League and taking a massive win after that is impressive.

"There are six English teams in the top 12 now, so it's clearly been a great couple of nights for English football.

"The Champions League fixtures have really give Newcastle United confidence this season. Their home form at St James' Park has clearly been immense but Eddie Howe will be as eager as anybody to get their away form up to that kind of level.

"If they matched their home form to their away form right now, I think they would be one of the teams to finish the league stage in the top eight, but they clearly have to improve it."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter at St James' Park

You could detect the irritation in Dan Burn's voice when he said "everybody knows we will turn up" after Newcastle did anything but at London Stadium last time out.

But the England defender led by example against Athletic Club as his side responded to their poor showing at the weekend.

Though Burn is not known for scoring many goals, the 33-year-old popped up with one of the most important in Newcastle's recent history when he opened the scoring in the EFL Cup final last March.

And this header brought back memories of that set-piece goal as he again linked up with Keiran Trippier, who has set up five of Burn's nine goals for the club.

It was a move straight from the training ground.

Burn initially took up a position outside the box alongside Athletic forward Robert Navarro before making a late run towards the back post just as Trippier took the set-piece.

The 6ft 7in defender managed to avoid being picked up, after Joelinton and Malick Thiaw blocked off Athletic players Daniel Vivian and Jesus Areso, and directed a superb header in off the upright.

No wonder the watching Alan Shearer was on his feet to applaud that one in the directors' box. It was a bullet header Newcastle's record goalscorer would have been proud of.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to TNT Sports: "Really pleased with today. It was an important response to West Ham. We had a quick turnaround for this game.

"I don't think it was us at our best but we're in a good position now in this competition.

"We learn a lot. This format is really good, more games but it's a bigger test when you return to the Premier League. It's been good to have a game off the back of West Ham, we've put that away and we scored two goals.

On Dan Burn's header: "It was very reminiscent of the cup final. It was from distance. It was a training ground move so well done to all the coaches involved in that.

On Joelinton scoring: "Joelinton needs to score. He's always been a scorer of big goals for us. We've worked on it. We need our eights and wide men to start chipping in.

On their Champions League form: "Across the board, it's consistency in our performance wherever we play. Now we go away in the Champions League. Marseille away will be incredibly difficult."

Defender Dan Burn, also speaking to TNT Sports: "It's huge. We said we wanted to respond. I knew we would turn up today. We controlled large parts of it. We've got nine points now.

"I've been due one for a while, and then when it came in, I decided I would head it as hard as I could. We've been working on it. We knew I'd have some space around the back. At least it was a good header.

"They pressed really well. We were surprised. We thought they would sit in more. Second half, we wanted to stretch it more. I'm buzzing for Joey [Joelinton], he's been due a goal like me.

"I said I love playing centre-back, it's my best position. I like playing left-back, I get to go up and down but it's tougher on the legs.

"We had to win our home games. We were unlucky in the Barcelona one. We have some away ones coming up now."

Did you know?

• Newcastle have equalled their longest winning streak in the Champions League, winning three matches in a row for just the second time (previously a three-game run in October/November 2002).

• Both of Dan Burn's goals in the Champions League have been scored via headers (v Paris Saint-Germain and Athletic Club) – he is just the third Newcastle player to score multiple headers in the competition, along with Alan Shearer and Faustino Asprilla (two each).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

Newcastle United have made two changes for the visit of Athletic Club in the Champions League.

Kieran Trippier, who missed the weekend defeat against West Ham through illness, comes in for Emil Krafth while Harvey Barnes replaces Jacob Murphy in the starting line-up.

Newcastle starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Botman, Thiaw, Burn, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon

Subs: Thompson, Ramsdale, Hall, Schar, Krafth, Osula, Elanga, J.Murphy, Willock, A. Murphy, Ramsey, Miley

Athletic have been hit by a number of absences for this game.

Yuri Berchiche, Oihan Sancet, Gorka Guruzeta and brothers Nico and Inaki Williams are among those who miss out.

Athletic starting XI: Simon, Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Adama, Rego, Jauregizar, Berenguer, Vesga, Navarro, Unai G

Subs: Padilla, Santos, Gorosabel, Laporte, Leuke, Galarreta, Serrano, Hierro, Ibon Sanchez, Izagirre, Selton Sanchez

There are eight games in the Champions League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will be bringing you every moment.

• Pafos v Villarreal (17:45)

• Qarabag v Chelsea (17:45) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ajax v Galatasaray

• Benfica v Bayer Leverkusen

• Club Brugge v Barcelona

• Inter Milan v Kairat Almaty

• Manchester City v Borussia Dortmund - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Marseille v Atalanta

• Newcastle v Athletic Club

All kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Qarabag v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Dortmund".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

English sides are excelling in the Champions League.

Three wins out of three last night - all with clean sheets - maintained the early Champions League dominance by English sides as the league phase nears the halfway point.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham occupy one of the top-eight spots that guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle all seeking to join – or replace – them by winning tonight.

English teams have averaged 2.3 points per game in the Champions League this season, far exceeding any of the other four nations that have three or more sides in the competition.

Success breeds success and England is currently well clear at the top of Uefa's co-efficient rankings. These are based on results across the three European competitions and determine which two leagues will earn an additional Champions League spot for next season.

It granted the Premier League a fifth spot last season - and currently England is in prime position to secure the same prize again this time around.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Dan Burn is one of the most vocal figures in the Newcastle United dressing room.

But even the England defender did not feel it was the time to "start pointing fingers" following his side's 3-1 defeat by West Ham.

Why?

Because Burn recognised that his own performance at London Stadium was below par on Sunday.

"Everyone knew in that changing room that we had let each other down," he said. "That's the most frustrating thing."

Eddie Howe, though, certainly did not shy away from delivering some "honest" words to his players, even if the Newcastle head coach stopped short of reading the riot act.

A considerable amount of analysis followed in the days afterwards before focus turned to the visit of Athletic Club in the Champions League on Wednesday.

You suspect Newcastle will be glad to have such a swift turnaround - not least at home.

Though Newcastle have struggled on their travels - failing to win an away league game since April - Howe's team have won each of their past four matches at St James' Park in all competitions.

This is a chance to respond.

"I don't think they owe me because I'm very much included in that bad performance," Howe said. "I look at it that way, that we're all together, and we all have to deliver better. I'm very focused on trying to do that with the players.

"There's always a feeling of frustration, different emotions, when you play that way, that you then try to use to your advantage in the future. Historically, we have usually responded pretty well."

• Listen to Burn's full news conference here

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Athletic Club at St. James' Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "It seems like there is a bit of illness going through the squad, various players have picked something up. Sandro (Tonali) initially, Jacob Murphy, Bruno (Guimaraes), Kieran (Trippier) and we are making a decision on Bruno tomorrow. He is such an important player for us, but he's not been himself, and that's why he missed training today."

• Howe confirmed they have done "a considerable amount of analysis" after the defeat by West Ham United, stating that it is "never one dimensional" and "now they have to move on."

• On Aaron Ramsdale: "We are very pleased with his progression since he's been here. I think we have seen good performances in training and played very well in the game. Nick [Pope] has performed consistently as well, and our defensive record has been strong this year. A couple of blips in there, but for the whole of the season, that has been our strongest point. All these decisions to make on the team and it is important that we have that strength."

• Howe insisted the squad does not need "reminding" of the success they could achieve this season and believes they are "in the midst of games that are hugely enjoyable and challenging". However, he acknowledged that the team remain "disappointed with their Premier League form".

• On the lack of consistency this season: "There needs to be an understanding with new players come new expectations, and they have to become accustomed to what we do and how we play. When you play for Newcastle, you can't have an off day mentally or physically, and if you do that in the Premier League, they will punish you. Hopefully, we are learning and developing. In saying that, there is a lot of experience on the pitch, a lot of know-how and I expected us to handle it a little bit better."

• Howe explained the decisions to substitute Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon at half-time against West Ham, with the former suffering from "fatigue". On Gordon, he added: "He's played very well in the Champions League but hasn't quite hit that form in the Premier League, and that's his challenge."

• On facing Athletic Club: "It is a really important game for us, we know what we have ahead in the Champions League. But that's not to say this game is going to be easy either. They are a very good defensive team, they have delivered some strong performances. Our attacking has to be at its very best."

Listen to the full news conference here

Image source, BBC/Studio Lambert

Challenges. Leaders and followers. Tactics. Second guessing and wondering where to turn next.

This could be any game of football in the Premier League this weekend.

It is also the plot to any episode of BBC's hit show - The Traitors.

The countdown to the end game of the Celebrity series is on but, while we wait for that, we want to know which Newcastle player (or manager) - past or present - you think would make the best traitor, and who would be more suited to the role of a faithful.

Was it the way they could appear at the back post without anyone noticing?

Or could they stop anybody getting past them?

Get in touch with your choices and the reasons why here

The Celebrity Traitors final will air on Thursday, 6 November on BBC One and iPlayer