Newcastle United

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

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In the third part of our Q&A, BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck talks tactics for the biggest game of the season - the Carabao Cup final a week on Sunday.

Dale asked: Would you consider - if fit – putting Alexander Isak wide left and starting Callum Wilson up top in the League Cup final against Liverpool?

Matthew answered: I would like to see Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson play together more often. It's something that hasn't really been possible because when one is fit, the other tends to be injured. This season, for example, they have only been on the pitch at the same time in four matches, and for less than an hour or football in total.

As brilliant as Alexander Isak is, and as deadly as Callum Wilson can be, it probably does not help the team to move Isak out of the centre, but it is something they could do if they are chasing the game. In that scenario, Isak could also play just behind Wilson.

I think the left side at Wembley could well be Joelinton and Joe Willock switching between midfield and attack - a combination that worked so well two seasons ago.

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Joe asked: Should Newcastle try a back five again at Wembley, with Tino Livramento as the only attacking full-back?

Matthew answered: Five at the back is definitely an option worthy of consideration - not least because it worked so well during the second leg of the semi-final, when they were without Joelinton through injury.

The change to five at the back caught us all by surprise but it was a brilliant move by Eddie Howe and the coaching team. They played with such tactical awareness and intelligence but still attacked with their usual hunger, aggression, and energy - and delivered a huge performance.

Doing this at Wembley would certainly give Liverpool something to think about.

With Lewis Hall having sustained a season-ending injury, Livramento could play on the left with Kieran Trippier on the right. But it may come down to whether Sven Botman is fit enough after his recent knee injury.

Come back later on Thursday for our final part looking at Eddie Howe's future

Listen to full commentary on every Newcastle United game, and have your say on the Magpies on Total Sport North East every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Newcastle.

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Newcastle defender Lewis Hall says being ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken bone in his foot is "devastating".

As well as missing the Carabao Cup final and Premier League run-in, Hall will be unavailable for new England boss Thomas Tuchel's first games in charge.

"It's gutting, especially with the games coming up," Hall told the Newcastle club website, external. "There's so much to play for until the end of the season and I was looking forward to them so much. So it's devastating, not just for me but being able to help the team.

"I feel like my season's gone well and it's come at probably the worst time. I would want to continue playing but we had to look at my career and agree on what was best. If I was to play through the pain, things could have got worse which would have a negative impact on my career long-term.

"Honestly, I would play through anything if I could. Obviously the cup final is a massive game. I'd played in all the games leading up to it and I'd like to think I've played a big part in us getting to this stage."

After a difficult first season, Hall has kicked on this year and featured in all of Newcastle's Premier League games until his injury.

"It's quite hard to accept at the minute but I'm still young and there are many opportunities ahead - I'm very confident in that," he said

"I haven't had it before in my career. Watching us train every day and watching the team play is something that I'm really not looking forward to, but I've got so much faith in the boys to get us over the line and do what we need to do.

"I'm a firm believer that I've got so much more that I want to achieve now. I've had a really good start to my Newcastle career. I've come a long way in this team and I feel like there's so much more that we can achieve together.

"I can't wait to be getting fit during the off-season and getting ready for next season - hopefully in the Champions League, with a trophy by then."

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

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In part two of our special Q&A, BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck offers his perspective on what could be a summer of change at St James' Park.

Paul asked: Do you think the reason our squad harmony has took an unexpected turn is because a few players know their exit is looming? I wonder if the players who are carrying others are starting to become frustrated with our inconsistency?

Matthew replied: This is an interesting theory.

The squad is full of good characters who have given so much to the club, but there is definitely a lot frustration over inconsistent performance levels this season.

As you know, most of the star players are committed to the club on long-term contracts and, with their PSR situation improving, there is definitely no need to consider selling them.

According to the information we have, Fabian Schar, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles are the first-team players whose contracts are due to expire in the summer.

But, there could be some out-of-favour players like Sean Longstaff and Matt Targett that could be available in the summer.

Richard asked: Do you see Newcastle strengthening in the summer or will there be more outgoings? Where do you think we need to strengthen?

Matthew replied: There will be movement both in and out of the club in what is going to be a hugely important summer. Because of PSR concerns, they have not really strengthened the squad for two years and that must change.

The accounts for the 2023-24 season were published this week and showed the club's finances were in a healthy state last summer. When you add in the sale of Miguel Almiron in January, Lloyd Kelly's move to Juventus, and new commercial arrangements like the Stack Fanzone outside St James' Park, they should now be in an even stronger position and therefore better-placed to invest.

They are looking for a right-sided centre-back and at least one forward player. There could be movement in the goalkeeping department too. Newcastle's interest in Burnley's James Trafford is well-known, and that will be a situation to keep a close eye on.

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Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

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In the first part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck, we take a look at the topsy-turvy nature of the Magpies this season.

Tony asked: Why are some of the performances so flat, lacklustre and inconsistent this season? It seems Eddie Howe can't get this side to perform on a consistent basis and the big players seem to drop well below the expected levels.

Matthew: You are absolutely right - this has been a problem all season. They began the campaign with some great results despite not playing well, and form was mixed until the club-record-equalling nine wins in a row in December and January.

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Recently, aside from the second leg against Arsenal and first half against Nottingham Forest, they have struggled again - with the Manchester City defeat a real low point and the FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton even more damaging.

Howe would probably say there are a number of factors behind this.

It is great to see them perform so well against the established top teams, particularly at St James' Park, but frustrating when they do not reach the same levels against teams below them in the table. My view is this has to be more of a psychological issue than anything to do with ability. But they are not the only club searching for consistency - and that is why the table is so tight.

More generally, the PSR situation has prevented Newcastle from making significant signings in the last three transfer windows. Howe just does not have enough top-quality players in some positions in order to make big changes.

This lack of competition cannot be a good thing. There are some great players at the club, but the squad definitely needs updating in the summer.

Return later on Thursday for the second part of our Q&A looking at Newcastle's needs for next season

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

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Tom asked: Have Eddie Howe's tactics been figured out, meaning he's taken the club as far as he can?

Matthew answered: Critics might say Howe does not have a plan B. But I think he showed in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final when, to our surprise, he switched to a back five, that he definitely does.

Going back to December after the defeat by Brentford, he made the right call by bringing Sandro Tonali into the middle of midfield and it helped turn things around. Their form at the moment is variable but Howe has always found solutions when he has been under pressure during a bad run.

He is working with a small squad of players and the lack of investment in new signings over the last two years has really caught up with the club. Howe himself recently warned of "staleness" in the squad. Some fresh faces in the summer will increase his options and allow for greater flexibility and variety with his team selections and substitutions.

I do not think it is right to judge him until they have had another transfer window.

Listen to full commentary on every Newcastle United game, and have your say on the Magpies on Total Sport North East every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Newcastle.

And subscribe to the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast on BBC Sounds

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Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle about Lewis Hall's injury, which will keep the left-back out for the rest of the season:

"He's been fantastic this season and rightly got a call-up to the England squad. It would have been brilliant for him round off his first really big season with the Carabao Cup [final] and finishing the season off, there are internationals as well.

"It's a huge blow for him, professionally and personally, with internationals coming up and trying to push himself further into that squad. He's made himself a regular in the team because of his performances. He's a very good player and it's just unfortunate that it has come to this end.

"If you've got Sven Botman and he comes back, you could put Dan Burn [at left-back] but he's had a very good season at centre-half.

"Matt Targett is a natural left-back, but the lad has been more out than in [the team]. All of a sudden, to be chucked into a cup final against Mohamed Salah - you're kind of on a hiding to nothing, because you're playing against a player who is arguably the best player in Europe and possibly the world at the moment."

Newcastle are considering an offer for Fiorentina's 25-year-old Italy striker Moise Kean. (GiveMesport), external

Barcelona are considering a move for Newcastle's 27-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who is also of interest to Arsenal and Manchester City. (CaughtOffside), external

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

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We asked for your views on how big a miss Lewis Hall will be for Newcastle after the defender was ruled out for the season with a foot injury.

Here are some of your comments:

Tom: Hall has been arguably the best player in the squad and one of the best full-backs in the league this season. Hopefully he comes back stronger and pushes his way into the England squad.

JD: Lewis has been our most consistent of the back four so this will hurt. No doubt Trippier or Livramento will fill in for the rest of the season. We could also put Burn in there should Botman return to that left-sided centre-back spot soon.

Alex: This is absolutely devastating, Hall has been outstanding all season. I think we'll see Burn filling in at left-back, with Botman/Schar at centre-back if they are fit. Alternatively, Trippier could fill in at left-back, with Tino on the right. If they aren't, then we have big problems. Our January transfer business doesn't look so smart now... I hope we'll have enough to get into Europe.

Richard: Hall divided opinion when he first arrived because Newcastle didn't want to play him too often as it would have meant they were obligated to buy him and they wanted to be sure he was the right quality. This led a lot of folks to ask why he was even here if we are not going to play him! Now, of course, he's been outstanding and losing him is a real blow. But injuries happen and we must accept it. It's been nowhere near as bad as last season in terms of days lost so we shouldn't be too downhearted. Still, I bet Mo Salah was pleased to hear Lewis is out.

Jack: Major blow. Howe has two games before the final to decide on what to do to stop Salah in the final. We could try Livramento or Trippier at left-back, or give Targett more minutes on the pitch and give him more defensive support on the left of midfield, whether from Willock, Joelinton or Miley.

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Dan Burn recently won Personality of the Year at the North East Football Writers' awards.

The accolade, awarded for his work in the community, recognises Burn's contribution to the region as an ambassador of the Newcastle United Foundation.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, he said: "I was probably a little more selfish in my time before and was just desperate to make it as a footballer, and now I am in a position when I should and I want to give back.

"I enjoy going out and doing it, and it's nice to help the community and all the different projects.

"It is just nice to go out and do something rather than football."

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson appreciates Burn's dedication to giving back to the community he grew up in.

"To be fair to Dan Burn, he has come through a long, hard road to get to where he is now," he said.

"He started at the bottom and, through hard work and endeavour, has got to where he is.

"He is a lad who appreciates everything he has got and he doesn't take it for granted and he wants to give something back."

Listen to more on BBC Sounds

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Newcastle United should do all in their power to keep striker Alexander Isak.

That is the view of BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Simon Pryde, who discussed the topic in the latest episode of BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport Newcastle podcast.

After the Magpies' latest financial report showed revenue gains compared with the previous year, chief executive Darren Eales reiterated the club's intention to be at "the top table" by retaining their best players.

Pryde agreed with the approach: "You want your best players and you want to keep your best operators but you never know what is around the corner.

"You want to build your side around the best players.

"But we have been around football long enough to know there are no guarantees. If someone comes with a ridiculous offer that they can't turn down."

Isak is the third top scorer in the Premier League this season, on 19, only behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Pryde says it is not just his ruthless finishing that makes him so important to Newcastle.

"How do you replace someone of that calibre?" he said. "This guy doesn't just score goals. This is a guy that creates goals too.

"But if he keeps playing the way he is, he will demand a lot more [money]."

Listen to the full discussion here

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With Lewis Hall's foot injury ruling him out for the remainder of the season, Newcastle United all of a sudden look light at left-back.

After bringing in Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth last summer, the Magpies sold him in January and with no other natural option available for Eddie Howe, the manager needs to find a solution, particularly with the Carabao Cup final looming.

Tino Livramento played there in the absence of Hall in Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup loss at home to Brighton and has deputised there in the past, despite primarily featuring as Howe's first-choice right-back this season.

That would mean Kieran Trippier returns on the right flank.

Dan Burn is another option having played regularly at left-back during the season where Newcastle qualified for the Champions League and the following campaign.

However, Sven Botman's ongoing recovery from an injury means Burn will likely still be required in the heart of defence.

If Burn was to go to left-back, Emil Krafth could come in and partner Fabian Schar at centre-back.

Also, is there an opportunity for Matt Targett? The 29 year old has played just 11 minutes of Premier League football this season but is at least a specialist left-back and came on in the FA Cup.

Alternatively, Trippier has played at left-back for England and Howe has even deployed Joelinton as a left wing-back at times too.

Hall's development has been one of the greatest takeaways from the 2024-25 season so far for Newcastle - and England - so the injury is a blow.

Howe has shown ingenuity in the past to deal without his best players and, with an important run-in, he must do so again.

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Lewis Hall is set to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on a foot injury.

We asked you on Tuesday about your mood but probably need to override that after this news

How big of a blow is his injury?

And who will fill in for him at full-back?

Tell us here

Newcastle could face competition from West Ham for the signature of Strasbourg's 22-year-old Dutch forward Emanuel Emegha. (GiveMeSport), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The latest episode of the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast from BBC Radio Newcastle assesses the club's 2023-24 accounts, which were released on Tuesday.

The Magpies announced a loss of £11.1m, with their participation in last season's Champions League contributing to improved figures compared with the previous campaign.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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I did not want to write my piece this week. On Sunday, Newcastle United continued their tradition of having a key player sent off a few weeks before a cup final. Great news if you like tradition! Terrible news if you like Newcastle United.

Not only did we lose a crucial cog in the NUFC machine, but we lost the game too, crashing out of the FA Cup in extra time thanks to a fumbling defence giving the ball as a little treat to Danny Welbeck in extra time.

I was asked pre-game about the FA Cup fixture, and how excited I was for it, and I found it hard to even concentrate on answering the question without referencing the Carabao Cup final on the horizon.

In one game, both cup chances withered away.

That is not to say we cannot go to Wembley and give Liverpool a game, but it is to say it will be harder than before because we will not have Anthony Gordon.

I do understand the frustration - Gordon's shirt is being pulled and it is a split-second irritation, but putting his hands on Jan Paul van Hecke's face and neck and pushing him down is a clear red card. The idea that Newcastle United will successfully appeal against the sending off is a fantastical one.

So it is now even harder to concentrate on our big trip to Wembley when we cannot use Gordon, and have other slight injury worries in the squad - ones that were compounded this weekend.

We had Alexander Isak back after a groin injury and he went off with some tightness in his thigh. Kieran Trippier also went off, feeling his back.

We really need all the resources we can get right now - and let's be honest, that is a pretty weak position to be in going into a cup final against the 2024-25 titans.

How are you feeling? Like Charlotte's, has your positivity been affected by what happened on Sunday - or are you going to go to Wembley and beat Liverpool? Get in touch here

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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In a round of FA Cup red cards, Antony Gordon's may well be the most significant.

Newcastle lost at home after he departed and he is likely to miss three games for violent conduct, although this was another 'punch' with all the raw power of kitten playing with a ball of wool.

His absence could ultimately have an effect on whether or not Newcastle make it to the Champions League qualifying positions. it really is that tight at the top end of the Premier League.

He has also ruled himself out of the Carabao Cup final, barring an unlikely reprieve on appeal.

This final is an opportunity to do what the Magpies have been dreaming of for generations, and that moment of madness has materially damaged their chances. Of all four red cards this weekend in the FA Cup, surely this could be the costliest?

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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle how Harvey Barnes' "inconsistency is infuriating" as "he is a really good finisher if he gets the chances".

He goes on to say how the winger "isn't as busy as [Anthony] Gordon as he doesn't chase".

Anderson added: "He has all the ability in the world, he most definitely has. His delivery is good, he scores goals. It was an opportunity for him against Brighton but he drifted out of the game.

"I don't know what the answer is. He wants to play left side but I think Gordon is always going to be the number one on that left side."

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Newcastle defender Dan Burn is confident the Magpies can still reach their goals this season if they "click" again like they did over the festive period.

Sunday's FA Cup defeat by Brighton was their third loss in their last five games at St James' Park, a stark contrast to the nine successive victories around the turn of the year.

"As inconsistent as we've been this season, we're still in a good position for what we want to achieve," said Burn. "We're in the European places and, although the league is so tight, we just need to put another run together like the one we had over Christmas to cement that position.

"Then we've obviously got the final just around the corner too, which is a massive opportunity.

"We know that if we can just get that inconsistency together and click, we can be a really good team."

Fans had hoped the FA Cup would provide a further route to Wembley this season, given the absence of many of the 'bigger' Premier League teams by the fifth round.

"The fact we're seeing it as a big missed opportunity just shows where the club is at," added Burn. "The gaffer has brought that in.

"I can't comment too much on what went on before the gaffer came in with the different ownership, but I definitely feel as though there's a real emphasis on the cups now and a real belief that we can get to the latter stages of whatever competition we're in.

"We want to get to the finals and when you get to within a game of the quarter-finals and then go out in extra time, it definitely feels like you've missed a chance to potentially do something special."

From Anthony Gordon's dismissal against Brighton to the Magpies' chances of silverware in the Carabao Cup final or European ambitions, there is plenty to talk about at St James' Park.

So, we are opening the floor for you to put your Magpies questions to BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck.

Submit your questions here

Come back later this week to see his answers.

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Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has told fans to "blame me" after the side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton, and issued a rallying cry to fans before the Carabao Cup final later this month.

The Magpies took the lead on 22 minutes through an Alexander Isak penalty before Yankuba Minteh equalised for the visitors on the stroke of half-time.

Substitute Danny Welbeck then struck in extra time to send Brighton through to the quarter-finals.

In a post on X, Guimaraes wrote: "Disappointed not to progress in the FA Cup, as it was clearly one of our goals. Moments like this are when we need to stick together the most.

"I know that when eliminations like this happen, it's hard to accept, and we always look for someone to blame. If you need to find one, you can blame me."

Up next for Newcastle is a trip to West Ham in the Premier League next Monday, before the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on 16 March.

"We have two weeks before one of the most important games for the club in recent years, and we must be ready for this great opportunity," added Guimaraes.

"My only request is that, in this moment, we stay united as one and go after the best for the club because we still have great things ahead."