Image source, Getty ImagesFollowing their 2-0 win at Old Trafford in December, Newcastle are looking to complete their first league double over Manchester United since the 1930-31 campaign.
Newcastle have won four of their past five meetings with Manchester United in all competitions (L1), as many as they had in their previous 41 (D9 L28).
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle United defenderJohn Anderson believes the Magpies should be eyeing a move for "young and homegrown" striker Liam Delap, who will be available for £30m if Ipswich Town are relegated from the Premier League.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport podcast, Anderson admitted the Englishman would be on his wishlist this summer: "I think for that type of money he would be. Nowadays, £30m isn't a great deal of money.
"The only problem is there will be other people looking at him as well. We wouldn't be the only ones really interested in him and then you start getting yourselves into a bidding war.
"He does fall into the right category though. He is young and homegrown, to a degree, so he ticks a lot of boxes.
"But is he going to be a regular starter with Alexander Isak being here? Eddie Howe isn't going to play two up front but he would be ideal backup, especially if they don't renew Callum Wilson's contract and they get rid of him.
"Isak is untouchable at this moment in time. I would say he is probably the best striker in Europe at the moment. He has amassed 20 goals again this season, that is two seasons on the bounce now, which is a very difficult thing to do.
"So it comes down to whether Delap would be happy to come here and be second fiddle because I don't think Eddie Howe would change a system that has worked very well for him.
"But Delap does give you that different option. He likes to come short, he has a physical presence and he doesn't mind the physical aspect of the game - so I think he is a different type of player to Isak."
Manchester City look set to reignite their interest in 27-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, as they prepare for the departure of 33-year-old Kevin de Bruyne. (UOL esporte - in Portuguese), external
Newcastle United and Chelsea are interested in 26-year-old Benfica and Greece forward Vangelis Pavlidis for 100m euros (£85m), but face competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. (Record - in Portuguese), external
Arsenal and Liverpool are looking at alternatives to Alexander Isak, with the Magpies adamant they won't sell their striker. (i paper), external
Newcastle United, Wolves and Brentford have watched 24-year-old Angers and Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, ahead of a potential £15m summer move. (Football Insider), external
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether 18-year-old Lewis Miley should be sent out on loan next season.
Here are some of your comments:
Richard: He absolutely needs to stay! With Europe, hopefully in the Champions League, there will be plenty of opportunity for the minutes he needs for fluency. We have been saying we need better squad depth all season - it would be lunacy to loan him out!
Josh: I think Miley would benefit from a loan, either with one of the relegated clubs in the Championship like Leicester or Ipswich, or with one of the promoted clubs like Burnley, Sheffield United or Leeds. Yes, he wasn't brilliant against Leicester but in all honesty I don't think anyone was, and he has put in some amazing displays. Give it to the end of the season and we'll see - I'm a bit on the fence with this one.
Matthew: If you send out Miley and William Osula on loan, who takes their place on the bench? Surely staying and training with the first team will benefit them in the long run. It's also worth remembering we'll be playing European football next season which will mean more game time for the both of them.
Dave: Miley makes little impact at the moment when he does come on and he is not advanced enough physically to put his stamp on the game. He does little wrong but does not get involved, so a loan out may be best plan.
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson was "disappointed" with how 18-year-old Lewis Miley performed against Leicester City on Monday night.
Miley made his 10th Premier League appearance of the season at King Power Stadium, playing 25 minutes off the bench, but Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle the teenager's display underlined a lack of depth at St James' Park.
He suggested Miley would 'probably' benefit from more game time on loan.
"I think he's got quality and he just needs to play more games but its whether he's going to get more games with those three [Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali] in there," Anderson said.
"I thought that was the type of game where he could have come on and got a hold of it. I'm not saying he did poorly - he didn't - but I suppose you forget how young he is and expect a bit more because of what you've seen in the past.
"I think [William] Osula, yeah, he needs to get out [on loan] and probably Miley as well but it all depends on how many come in during the summer transfer window."
Do you think Miley should spend time on loan next season?
Or will he benefit more from staying with the club?
Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist
Eddie Howe was the main figure of course, but Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall also played a part. Whenever Howe was talking to his players at a set piece or to the substitutes waiting to come on, Tindall would move into position so there was almost always one of them at the front of the area.
Howe was also in constant talks with Tindall at the back of the technical area or writing notes down in his notebook. When the second goal went in, Howe immediately called over Joelinton for a tactical chat, and he did similar with a number of other players when the third went in, despite the big lead.
Ruud van Nistelrooy had his head in his hands after the visitors scored after a couple of minutes and was noticeably getting more and more frustrated at his side's inability to keep the ball as sloppy mistakes became more frequent.
He spent most of the opening half hour on the edge of the technical area, but after Newcastle's third goal, he watched the rest of the half from his seat. He did return to the edge of the technical area for most of the second half though, with most of the home fans leaving well before the end.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Newcastle should keep striker Callum Wilson at the club beyond the end of this season, when his contract is scheduled to expire.
Here are some of your comments:
Liam: We need a player like Wilson. Just not actually Wilson. He can't be relied upon to keep fit. We need a steady deputy for Alexander Isak, who can lead the line if he's rested or injured, while Osula learns his craft. I think we thank Wilson for his contribution, offer him our best wishes and a hearty handshake, and move on.
Paul: He's been so great, but sadly now he's just not a benefit on the pitch any more. He gives the ball away more than anyone, covers less ground than anyone and defenders seem to have him pegged. Sadly he'll likely only get worse, whereas Osula can get better. Give Osula a chance and get what we can for Wilson - with our thanks and gratitude for all he's done.
Andrew: I reckon Wilson is still a quality player. Yes, he can only be used as a sub/injury cover because of his injury issues. But, he has spent so long out, he needs time to get back up to speed. Shame we haven't got any more cup competitions or friendlies to give him time to get up to speed. If we let him go, he would go to a Premier League rival, get up to speed again and be knocking them in regularly, causing us mega issues!
Ozzy: I like Callum Wilson but he now has several injury concerns that have made him more and more injury-prone. He simply can't be relied upon any more and needs to be moved on. As we are going to be playing in a European competition as well as the Premier League next season, we need to invest in a reliable and quality goalscorer who can back up Alexander Isak and won't spend the majority of the season injured.
Howard: It's time for Callum Wilson to go. Would bring in a younger backup striker to cover Isak. Someone like Haji Wright from Coventry who is experienced, athletic and is capable of scoring goals and who wouldn't cost a fortune.
Charlotte Robson
Fan writer
Image source, PA MediaIf there was ever any doubt about Newcastle's priorities as we head towards the close of the season, let them be cast away now.
It is clear from player interviews and the approach to games that Newcastle very much have their eyes on the coveted fifth (or even fourth) place, securing Champions League football for another season under the watchful eye of Eddie Howe.
It feels like it is ours to lose. It felt like this last season, when goal difference set us apart from Manchester United and Europa League football looked nailed on. Then Manchester City decided to ruin our hopes and dreams and not turn up to the FA Cup final, ensuring Manchester United took that spot.
Last season, though, we were sort of chasing three points: "It is alright as long as we win the next one". This season we are looking at it slightly differently: "This one is the one we can lose."
I think we have enough quality and enough drive in the squad to do it. It will not be easy. Not many things that are worth it are easy. But that is OK - we are Newcastle United fans so we are not that used to things being easy.
On Monday we cruised past Leicester doing exactly what we needed to do - keeping a clean sheet, not picking up any serious injuries and ensuring a healthy goal difference.
It has to be said that Leicester were not a terribly difficult opponent. Their season has not been brilliant. But it does not matter, because in previous iterations of this sort of fixture it would have been our banana skin, and it was not on this occasion.
It feels like there has been a mentality shift at the club. We are winners now. Let's get the job done.
Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external
Image source, Getty ImagesFollowing Newcastle's victory against Leicester on Monday, one fan sent a comment to BBC Radio Newcastle about striker Callum Wilson, stating: "I think we need to stop playing Wilson now, it is obvious that he is not Premier League standard any more. Give William Osula minutes instead."
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson said: "Wilson came on [against Leicester], he ran around and chased but he hasn't had any chances - it's not like he could have chances and could have done better. Osula came on and you can tell he is still very raw. He looked like a runaway train on a couple of occasions.
"The Wilson situation is really interesting because his contract is up at the end of the season. Do they give him another year or do they let him go and bring someone else in?
"I like Wilson - when he was fit, he always scored. The problem was keeping him fit and he hasn't seen a great deal of game time this season."
What would you do with Wilson, Newcastle fans? Is it worth offering him a new deal or should the club let him go? Is Osula a good enough replacement or should Newcastle look elsewhere?
Image source, PA MediaWe asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Leicester and Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Leicester fans
Nigel: As a Leicester fan for over 40 years, this is the worst team I've ever seen. We have no one willing to go forward. We pass it around at the back too much. Ruud van Nistlerooy can't lift the players and is way out of his depth. We will struggle next season in the Championship.
John: No passion, no belief and no sense of a will to win. It's time to drain the swamp at Leicester. It's not Van Nistelrooy's fault.
Michael: Another spineless and totally unacceptable display. I have watched Leicester City since 1956 and this side is easily the worst of all the relegated teams. Very, very poor. No pride or effort shown. It will be tough next season to stay in the Championship unless major changes are made.
James: Just goes from bad to worse. The whole club needs a clearout. I despair as to next season because the fans have lost faith in this bunch of players and with this manager they are clueless.
Dino: It's just repeat, repeat, repeat. Van Nistelrooy has to go now. Nothing is going to change our destination but watching this every week is painful. A clearout from top to bottom is needed.
Newcastle fans
Nick: It's hard to criticise the team when they win 3-0, but I didn't think we played that well. It felt like playing such a bad team rubbed off on us. We had a good 10-minute spell at the start, but after that I thought the passing was sloppy and generally play lacked creativity. That Leicester team was ripe for a hammering and we let them off the hook.
Matt: A very comfortable win against a poor Leicester side. Never needed to get out of second gear. Could have easily scored more but prioritised preserving our energy for the final push for Champions League places.
Ernie: We did enough to beat a poor Leicester side but we didn't need to raise our game too much. Pleased to see Jacob Murphy getting the credit he deserves. Harvey Barnes did well too.
Jon: Newcastle won without getting out of second gear and probably missed a chance to further boost their goal difference which could be important at the end of the season. Alexander Isak looked anonymous and probably should have been rested.
Mike: We control our own destiny. Win our last eight games and we will be in the Champions League. Five of our last eight are at home so winning them is certainly possible.
Image source, Getty ImagesDefender Fabian Schar spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle after the Magpies' 3-0 victory at Leicester on Monday: "We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We were pretty ruthless with the goals in the first half and it was a good win for us.
"The attitude has been brilliant from the lads. It's not easy to be focused after winning a trophy but we have done it really well. We know we can play better than we have in the last few games, but the results are perfect. Hopefully we can keep going like this.
"The table is very tight - each point can make a difference. It doesn't matter who we play. Now we focus on Manchester United."
Jacob Murphy's season just keeps getting better.
The Newcastle United winger has now been involved in 16 Premier League goals this season with seven goals and nine assists. That is as many as his two previous seasons combined.
And Murphy really is on a roll as 14 of those 16 goal involvements have come since the start of December, with only Mohamed Salah (28) and Alexander Isak (19) creating more in that time.
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Sport after the 3-0 victory at Leicester: "Really pleased. A massive win for us. We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We started really well and that gave us the foundation to go and win.
"It was a bright start. The first goal was a real highlight for us in terms of quality. When you start the game in that fashion it makes it easier for you. Leicester were competitive but I wanted us to add more goals."
On the team keeping their focus after winning silverware: "That was the biggest challenge for us. I can't complement them enough. They are a very down to earth, humble group who want to do well and represent the club in the right way. They have shown that in the last few weeks."
On how he sees the race for Champions League football: "It's going to hot up. The next week for us is a big week. We have three really tough games and that will go a long way in seeing where we are at the end of the season. We are in a better position than we were but there is still a lot of work to do."
Did you know?
Newcastle United have won 11 of their last 15 Premier League games, starting with a 4-0 win over Leicester City on 14th December; only Liverpool have more points in the competition since then than the Magpies.
Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle fans must feel like they are dreaming right now.
First, they end their 70-year wait for domestic silverware after beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and now they have secured their third Premier League win on the spin as they move above Manchester City in the table and into fifth place.
With winnable home games coming up against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, Newcastle may feel they are in pole position for a top four finish after moving level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea despite having played a game less.
In a game they were massively expected to win, Newcastle did not take their eye off the ball for one moment in an aggressive attacking first half display.
The midfield trio of Bruno Guimareas, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton dominated from the first whistle and proved key in Newcastle securing the three points after just 34 minutes.
With Alexander Isak having a quiet night in front of goal and the influence of the injured Anthony Gordon missing through injury, other players in the Magpies stepped up as they earned another vital three points in their push for Europe's elite competition.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Leicester's performance
What did you make of Newcastle's display?
Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle United player Neil McDonald believes "experienced" Callum Wilson should start against Leicester City, after Eddie Howe confirmed mainstay Alexander Isak was forced off with a "groin issue" in the 2-1 win over Brentford.
Isak scored his 20th Premier League goal of the season against the Bees, before being substituted in the 66th minute for fellow goalscorer Wilson.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, McDonald said: "I think this would be the perfect game to rest Alexander Isak and make sure that he is ready for the rest of the season.
"I think you would go for Callum Wilson instead - I think you need that little bit of experience. He knows where the goals are and he is playing in a team that is creating chances, so he will probably score goals. He knows where to be and what to do in the final third.
"You would probably have to replace Isak with Wilson to keep that experience up top when the chances do come along.
"Nine times out of 10, Wilson is probably going to put it in the back of the net."
Leicester should have been relegated immediately for what they did at Etihad Stadium last Wednesday.
For a team who are desperate for a win, they showed absolutely zero attacking intent even when they went two goals down.
All they were interested in was building a wall and just stopping Manchester City. I felt sorry for their travelling fans because the team offered no threat whatsoever, and didn't even try to score.
I can understand that everyone has a gameplan, but usually that changes when you go a goal or two behind. At 2-0, however, Leicester took their star striker Jamie Vardy off to put another midfielder on.
That tells you where Leicester are at right now - it felt like they were waving the white flag and going for damage limitation, rather than thinking they might as well give it a go and risk conceding more goals.
We know how nervy Manchester City have been this season, and Leicester caused them problems when they had a go at them at King Power Stadium at the end of last year.
This time, there was none of that. They were pretty pathetic and you have got to question what their manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was thinking.
His team have lost their past seven league games and have not scored in any of them, and it is even longer since they managed a point or a league goal at home.
That is not going to change here. Newcastle got an important win over Brentford in midweek to show there was no hangover from their Carabao Cup celebrations.
Even if they hit the hotel mini-bar again on Sunday night, it wouldn't matter - they would still beat Leicester.
Sutton's prediction: 0-2
