Newcastle United

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BBC Sport's Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly will be answering a selection of the questions you have sent in throughout Wednesday.

First up is Mitch, who asked: Do you think Eddie Howe will use Nick Woltemade as a number 10 when Yoane Wissa is fit and swap to a 4-2-3-1?

Ciaran answered: Howe likes having a surprise up his sleeve and we have seen the head coach move away from his favoured 4-3-3 formation and use a back five on several occasions already this season.

The prospect of Woltemade and Wissa one day playing together has certainly not been ruled out once the latter returns from injury next month. But I would be a little surprised if Howe immediately switched systems and started them both because midfielders Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are so integral to how this side functions.

The initial plan had been for Wissa and Woltemade to rotate and share the load, with the former's Premier League experience easing the burden on his team-mate.

Woltemade has, obviously, had to hit the ground running because of Wissa's lay-off and the German is viewed internally as a number nine who can link play rather than a number 10.

It reminds me a little of the Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson situation when the pair were both firing a few seasons ago. The strikers rarely started together and they instead pushed each other for a place in the first XI.

That intense rivalry brought the best out of Isak and Wilson because they knew they had to deliver during their time on the pitch.

There were still occasions when Howe would use them both if his side were chasing a goal in the second half.

And having Woltemade and Wissa fit would certainly give him the flexibility to do that again.

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David asked: Jacob Murphy vs Anthony Elanga - why does Howe keep picking Elanga?

Ciaran answered: An interesting question. Murphy is Newcastle's best crosser of the ball and the winger's deliveries helped Isak enjoy the best campaign of his career last season.

He has already gone on to set up goals for Woltemade and Anthony Gordon against Wolves and Barcelona respectively in 2025-26.

Elanga has not yet had such a moment, but that does not necessarily tell the full story.

The summer signing's rapid pace created openings versus Liverpool and, particularly, Barcelona that were not taken by his team-mates, while he also played the defence-splitting pass that led to Ezri Konsa getting sent off after the panicked Aston Villa defender pulled Gordon back.

It was also rather telling it was Elanga who was named player of the match following Newcastle's 4-0 win at Union Saint-Gilloise last week - the Magpies' biggest in the Champions League - after he had a hand in the visitors' opener and won a penalty for his side's second.

But Elanga did not build on that display against former club Nottingham Forest a few days later.

Just as it even takes some proven Premier League players time to fully adjust to this side's intricate patterns of play and become a consistent force, Newcastle are also adapting to life with a different sort of profile of player out wide, following Elanga's £55m summer move.

Howe even noted at the weekend how Elanga's threat "helps us in ways we maybe don't realise yet".

And it is easy to forget that Elanga, Woltemade and Gordon only started together for the first time last week.

Given the lack of training time, on account of a packed schedule, the trio are essentially having to build up an understanding by playing together.

Come back to this page later on Wednesday for the second instalment in this three-part Q&A, which will focus more on matters off the field...

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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Last time we had an international break, I said I liked them, actually, because it gave us a chance to regroup and move forward. Well, I've changed my mind. What a fickle little football fan I am.

The reason I don't want an international break is that I don't want to ever stop watching Nick Woltemade, Malick Thiaw, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali play football. I want them to perform for me weekly - nay, daily - because they are all so good and it makes me feel warm inside that they are in my team.

This weekend, we also built on a little momentum that we started midweek, in Belgium, in the Champions League. An easy 4-0 win there gave way to a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Much has been made of Ange Postecoglou's troubled side, but they were only one point below us when we played them and we have struggled to get the season going so far.

You simply cannot take anything for granted in the Premier League. I don't know much, but I know that.

Sunday felt like we got our season going a bit. A nice thing was that we weren't actually great in the first half, but there was a vibe shift for the second.

It was like our players just remembered that they are class and that this should be fine, and Guimaraes remembered that this is exactly what he is good at - scrappy games where teams cannot deal with his work on the ball. And, if they briefly can, Tonali will fix that.

I love watching our players work together and enjoy themselves on the pitch. After a weird start to the season, it is what needed to happen.

We saw it in spades over the last week, and I'm just sad we have to wait two more weeks to see what else we can do.

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

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John Anderson says his former side Newcastle have performed well despite some inconsistent results so far this season, but Eddie Howe must rotate his squad during a busy period after the international break.

The Magpies sit 11th in the Premier League after seven games and will play seven matches across three competitions between 18 October and 9 November.

"Newcastle haven't been overly flashy so far this season but there have been good performances," former defender Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"There's been good performances where we haven't got results. We dug in at Bournemouth and got something out of that. It's never been a place that we've gone and done particularly well. They are a decent side so to go there and get a result is strong.

"Forest we knew was going to be difficult because of their position and the situation they are in with their manager so it was a case of digging in. If we can win our home games and pick up points away from home we're not going to be far away.

"There's an awful lot of football to play. The Premier League doesn't really take shape until Christmas time.

"We've got an awful lot of games to play. It's an international break then seven games in 23 days again. We've got that again in December as well.

"There's an awful lot of games and it's about looking after player's welfare as well. It's about rotating squads. It's all about managing that workload as Eddie Howe would say."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your reflections four years to the day since Newcastle were taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: It has been an outstanding success and an ongoing project. A top manager and coaching staff, a squad of quality players, two cup finals, first major trophy for decades, new training facilities and stadium in the pipeline. Thanks!

Ward: The takeover was the best thing to happen to the club, no doubt. Our ambition is only capped by the Premier League spending and sponsorship rules. Not sure what has happened about the new stadium plans but I hope we see progress very soon as these are totemic in terms of demonstrating the owners' long-term commitment to the club.

Ernie: Had we not been taken over by the PIF, there's a real chance we'd be in League One or administration as Mike Ashley wasn't right for the club. We've got an exceptional manager, best squad since the 90s, won a trophy and been in Champions league twice. In Eddie we trust!

Peter: Literally snatched survival from the jaws of relegation, finished in Champions League places twice and won a trophy. Aye, it's been canny.

Richard: I've been very impressed with the ownership. They have been there, without wanting the limelight. They have brought stability and made good considered decisions and have at no stage panicked. We have a team we can be proud of, a stable plan for the future and have seen four years of improvement resulting in a cup and two Champions League campaigns with good Premier League finishes. They have our back and best of all they brought in a fantastic manager and have let him do his job. Our global brand needs some work and this is where I feel we lag behind in terms of revenue. We need a new training ground and some better sponsorship deals. There's still lots to be done but we are on the right path and with PIF and Eddie Howe I feel confident in the plan.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Newcastle United were in trouble. Deep trouble.

It is easy to think a switch was immediately flicked once the club's takeover was completed on this day four years ago.

But relegation-threatened Newcastle won just one of their opening 20 Premier League games before pulling away from danger.

The mentality shift since then has been striking.

In fact, at the start of the following campaign, Eddie Howe gathered his players and told them one of his big ambitions was to win a cup.

The bar was immediately being raised as Matt Ritchie recalled.

"Within context, we had been successful, staying in the Premier League when we probably shouldn't have," the former Newcastle winger said. "Now we're going to win the cup? It was like, 'Wow, really?'"

Newcastle went on to reach the Carabao Cup final that year - losing against Manchester United – before returning to Wembley and ending a 70-year wait to win a major domestic trophy last March.

Newcastle have also qualified for the Champions League in two of the last three seasons, but it still feels like they are only getting started.

"What I know is that it's not like, 'They've won a cup and job done,'" Ritchie said. "It's, 'What's the next thing?' That's the mindset and mentality of that group."

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On this very day in 2021 Newcastle United fans gathered at the city's famous stadium to celebrate the club's takeover.

It was confirmed Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund would take a majority 80% stake in the club, whilst PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers each took 10%.

So how much good has been done? Should Newcastle have spent more? Has the club grown revenues? Find out more in Ciaran Kelly's fine feature on the takeover here.

And tell us, how do you feel the takeover has gone?

Real Madrid are unlikely to sanction a January move for Turkey midfielder Arda Guler, 20, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle. (Football Insider), external

Eintracht Frankfurt are targeting a January loan move for Newcastle and Denmark striker William Osula, 22. (Sky Sports), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Even though there is no club football for almost two weeks, that does not mean there is not plenty going on at St James' Park.

Do you have a burning question on a player's contract? Recent stadium plans? Eddie Howe's tactics? The January transfer window?

Our Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly is here to help.

Later this week, he will be answering a selection of your questions.

So get them over to us using this form

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

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Newcastle had not long been taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in a £305m deal which was opposed by human rights campaigners.

The club had been dubbed the richest in the world by outsiders, but the reality on the ground was rather different as they battled relegation. So what has changed since the takeover?

Revenue is set to increase from £140m in 2021 to upward of £400m when the club's latest accounts are released later this season, while staff numbers have more than doubled to 550 in recent years.

There has been substantial investment in the academy and the women's team, while hundreds of millions have been pumped into to the club to help with day-to-day running costs.

But one question outsiders might be asking is why the wealth of their Saudi owners hasn't produced greater success.

Though new signings have arrived - around £100m net was spent in the summer - this has been a relatively gradual build as supporter Charlotte Robson explained.

"Because the new ownership were so wealthy, on paper, a lot of people made an assumption that they were going to buy the way to the top," said BBC Sport's Newcastle fan writer.

"Yes, Newcastle have brought in some excellent internationals like Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, but the development of existing squad players and the signing of players like Dan Burn from the region to bolster that feeling around the club has been massive and really important."

Such an approach has been influenced by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which restrict losses to £105m over a rolling three-year period, so finding a way to create further headroom will be crucial for Newcastle.

For context, Manchester United may have experienced their worst campaign in more than four decades last season, but the club still generated record revenues of £666.5m.

Digging deeper, Manchester United brought in £333.3m worth of commercial income and £160.3m in matchday revenue.

Newcastle, by contrast, raised £83.6m and £50.1m respectively in their most recent published accounts from 2023-24.

Read what else has changed here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Davey: It might not have been flowing football or particularly stylish, but winning games like this is essential to pushing for another Champions League qualification. We're still adapting to a new style of forward in the middle, but we were pretty solid in defence and our midfield wasn't bad either. Sandro Tonali was my man of the match - he never stops battling.

Bob: A good performance all round but one that might go under the radar is that of Anthony Gordon who was greatly improved. Malick Thiaw also looked solid alongside Sven Botman - a promising partnership there.

Andrew: A game of two halves. In the first half, we looked a bit disjointed. Maybe the pressure of a much-needed win was getting to the team. In the second half, we found some rhythm, created some great chances and deserved more than the two goals in the end. We need to build on the last two games.

Simon: A good solid performance across the team. It was tough to break down the Forest defence and their keeper kept them in the game. Good goal from Bruno Guimaraes and an excellent penalty from Nick Woltemade. Well earned three points.

Forest fans

Mike: I can see exactly what Ange Postecoglou is trying to do and the fanbase need to cut him some slack. I agree that results have not gone his way so far but he had a hard act to follow and in these crazy times he deserves some support. The real problem lies in the ownership and letting Nuno Espirito Santo go which could or maybe will prove catastrophic. Onwards and upwards. We will get better.

Matt: Some improvement but is it enough? I doubt it. Matz Sels brilliance aside it could have been three or four and then it would be a foregone conclusion. As nice a man as Ange comes across as, he's not for Forest and I think it's just a matter of time.

Adam: First half I thought we played well and did a good job. Second half Newcastle out on more pressure and it paid off. I'd like to say things are starting to improve but Newcastle have been poor so far this season as well so it's hardly a good result. I'd happily take Steve Cooper back to be honest.

Graham: I keep refreshing the BBC site, hoping for the news we all want to come. Sadly it has not.

Pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's five Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley

• Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

• Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest

• Wolves 1-1 Brighton

• Brentford 0-1 Man City

Listen to more from Eddie Howe and Nick Woltemade on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

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Momentum. That is what Newcastle have been desperately searching for.

Having seen his side record their biggest ever Champions League win against Union Saint-Gilloise in midweek, it was of little surprise that head coach Eddie Howe named an unchanged side on Sunday.

Newcastle did not look as dynamic at St James' Park as they did in Brussels. Nothing summed up the hosts' lack of edge in the first half quite like Joelinton firing well wide from the halfway line.

But captain Guimaraes stepped up in the second half - not only did the Brazilian put Newcastle ahead, he won the penalty to seal the victory.

Woltemade converted the spot-kick, becoming just the third Newcastle player to score in each of his first three Premier League home games for the club after Les Ferdinand in 1995 and Alan Shearer in 1996.

It sealed an important victory.

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

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Forest's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

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Former Newcastle United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Willie McFaul has passed away aged 82.

McFaul joined Newcastle from Irish League side Linfield in 1966 and he made 386 appearances before he retired in 1975.

In the era of the great Pat Jennings - widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time - McFaul would only win six caps for Northern Ireland.

McFaul joined Newcastle's coaching staff after he hung up his gloves and would become manager in 1985 when Jack Charlton left his role.

He spent three years in the dugout at St James Park and went on to manage at Coleraine, his hometown club.

McFaul had a brief stint in charge of Guam's national team in 2003, and later worked with the Irish FA and as a scout at Norwich City.

"All of us at Newcastle United extend our sincere condolences to Willie's loved ones," the Magpies posted on social media.

The Irish FA said it sends "sincere condolences to Willie's family circle at this sad time".

There are five games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Everton v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Newcastle v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Aston Villa v Burnley - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra (after Singapore Grand Prix)

• Brentford v Man City (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Wolves v Brighton", for instance.

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

Newcastle have named an unchanged side against Nottingham Forest following the club's biggest ever Champions League victory.

The Magpies beat Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Brussels on Wednesday night and head coach Eddie Howe has opted to name the same side as a result.

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

Subs: Ramsdale, Schar, Lascelles, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Willock, Miley.

Nottingham Forest have made four changes from the side who were defeated by Midtjylland.

Captain Ryan Yates, Nicolo Savona and Jair Cunha have been handed their first top-flight starts of the campaign by manager Ange Postecoglou while Chris Wood leads the line.

Nottingham Forest starting XI: Sels, Jair Cunha, Milenkovic, Morato, Savona, Yates, Anderson, Williams, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, Wood.

Subs: John, Murillo, Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Dominguez, Jesus, Hutchinson, McAtee, Bakwa.

Newcastle scored four goals in Belgium in midweek - the same number as they have managed in their first six league games.

Eddie Howe's side are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League, along with Villa and Wolves, so getting a big win like that will be important for them.

They have lost twice at home already, but that was to Arsenal and Liverpool, and on both occasions to late goals.

Yes, the Gunners were the better team on Sunday but Newcastle had lots of chances against Liverpool so they can definitely feel a bit hard done by.

I am expecting them to get more chances here, because I think this game will be really open with both teams going for it.

I am going to go with Newcastle to be wearing their shooting boots again, and keep Ange Postecoglou waiting for his first Premier League win.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Newcastle are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time this term and face a Nottingham Forest side seemingly stuck in reverse. BBC Sport explores some key themes before Sunday's clash on Tyneside.

When Ange Postecoglou took the reins at Nottingham Forest a little over three weeks ago there were obvious questions about the logic of his appointment.

A coach wedded to high-pressing, possession-based principles was now in charge of a group drilled to sit in low blocks and counter attack under the more pragmatic Nuno Espirito Santo.

Winning over the fans was always going to take time given the popularity of his predecessor, as was the enormous shift of tactical styles. But not many would have foreseen such a poor start.

Postecoglou is the first permanent Forest manager in 100 years to go without a win in his opening six matches, with his fourth defeat coming at home to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday.

The first European fixture at the City Ground for 29 years promised to be a joyous occasion, but after the 3-2 loss Postecoglou was subjected to chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning" by the home support.

"The fans are disappointed. I heard their opinion," said Postecoglou. "I would prefer if people were optimistic in their outlook of what I'm doing. I can only change that by winning games of football."

Newcastle away is the next test for Postecoglou and his personal record at St. James' Park is two defeats from two previous visits with Spurs, including a 4-0 thrashing in April 2024. Forest's record is even worse – they've lost eight of their last nine visits to Tyneside, conceding 24 goals across in that time.

Are Newcastle clicking into gear?

Newcastle are heading into this weekend as the Premier League's joint-lowest scorers with just four goals so far. Six points from six games also represents their worst start to a season under head coach Eddie Howe.

But there is reason to believe that his side have started to click, especially if their midweek performance is anything to go by.

The Magpies recorded their biggest ever Champions League win with a 4-0 victory over Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday. It was also their first away triumph in the competition for 22 years.

"Hopefully it helps us when we return to the Premier League because we've been waiting for a performance like that," said Howe after the match. "It wasn't perfect – there are things we can improve – but it was a big step in the right direction."

Anthony Gordon's brace of penalties underpinned the victory and he became the fifth player to score twice for Newcastle in a Champions League away game, following in the footsteps of three well-known forwards and a left-back.

There was also another goal for club record signing Nick Woltemade, although there were doubts about who got the final touch on Sandro Tonali's deflected effort.

The German striker has scored in his first two home Premier League appearances for Newcastle and could join an illustrious club this weekend if he can find the net again, with Les Ferdinand in 1995 and Shearer in 1996 the only players to score in their opening three at St James' Park.

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Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey says choosing defenders "is a headache" for manager Eddie Howe.

Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have become a regular defensive pairing this season with Dan Burn filling in for Lewis Hall at left-back.

But, with Hall returning from injury, it leaves Howe with a decision to make over who his first-choice centre backs are.

"It will be interesting to see now that Hall is back and getting some minutes again what happens when everyone is fully fit and who he [Howe] goes with," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Does Dan Burn start? That sounds absolutely ridiculous [to question] because of how well he has done, and talk about [Fabian] Schar too, with Thiaw and Botman as well because of how well they have done. It is a headache for the manager.

"I think a lot of fans will say, because of what Schar has done in the past and because of what Dan Burn has done in the past, it's not that long ago but it is still the past, 'you've got to stick with them'.

"But it is harsh, football, everyone will tell you that. You've got two lads who have come into the team, Botman and Thiaw, and the manager might say 'look, you have done brilliant for us but you are going to have to be on the bench because I am fancying them two'.

"Harsh, but it is 100% football."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at St. James' Park (kick-off 14:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall are doing well upon their return from injuries: "Fabian was given a strict [concussion] protocol to follow, and he did, and now he's back fit. He looks good. Lewis has been slightly more complex just trying to get him to feel totally comfortable within his body again. I think he's on the right path, and he's doing well, but we have to continue to make sure that we monitor his load."

• He confirmed full-back Tino Livramento didn't tear his ACL after being stretchered off against Arsenal but has suffered a knee ligament injury and will be out for eight weeks: "It's a blow to be losing him for those eight weeks, because with our schedule at the moment, that means a lot of games. But because of what it could have been, I think it's very good news. He's already had a couple of injections in the ligament to strengthen it up."

• On Newcastle's squad depth: "That's the beauty of the strength of the squad we have, which will make a difference for us this year. We've got some real depth in the defensive areas of the squad, and we're going to need those options if we are going to be successful."

• Howe says Nick Woltemade is settling in well at Newcastle, adding: "He's continually laughing with his team-mates. He seems at home already, which is absolutely crucial to his success on the pitch. I think the players most importantly are beginning to understand his game on the pitch. You see the lads really trust him with the ball. But his link play the other day, bringing in the wingers into play was the highest level."

• On Anthony Elanga, who was sold from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest in the summer: "I think he's had a number of big contributions. He's had a number of moments that could have dictated the game. Very good crosser of the ball, whether that's early or whether that's working towards the byline. I think he's a productive player, certainly playing with good confidence and good rhythm."

• When asked if he feels his team are starting to click Howe said: "I think we've got a few clicks to go. But certainly I think we're finding our rhythm and our belief as a new team."

• On Sandro Tonali: "His physicality is one of those standout attributes that he possesses. I think he makes the difference continually for us in that way. He possesses a couple of gear changes that we relied on a couple of times on Wednesday. But then you add to that, his technical ability and his tactical understanding does make him a really good player."

• When asked if he would like to see Elliot Anderson back at Newcastle after they were forced to sell him to comply with PSR he said: "I would love him to... It doesn't sit right with me today, and that we as a football club are forced to make a decision that we didn't want to make, and a player that had given everything to rise through the ranks here and to try and play for Newcastle, was ended by financial restrictions. We wish Elliot nothing but success. It's nothing at all to do with him. Is to do with the restrictions."

• When asked if there's a determination to keep hold of local talent Louis Miley he said: "I think Louis can be whatever he wants to be from this moment onwards. I don't want to put too much pressure on him but you've got to look how important is it to have that northeast heartbeat inside the football club too. It's crucial for me. Since the day I arrived I realised the importance of the Geordie core, and we don't want to lose that. I think it's so important you have a presence from the local community in your squad."

• He says his commitment is with Newcastle after talks of him going to Manchester United circulated in the media: "My commitment here is, I'm all in. I'm 100% here. Always have been. My family is still here. We're fighting every day to try and make a success of what we're doing and the season ahead could be a wonderful thing."

Listen to Newcastle's game on BBC Radio 5 Live here

Hear more from Howe on BBC Sounds