Newcastle United

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 12 he takes on The Farm singer and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton.

The Farm's new single, Forever & Ever, is out now and their new album, Let The Music (Take Control), is released in May 2025.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

It feels to me like Russell Martin of Southampton is the manager who is closest to the edge at the moment but West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is probably not too far behind him.

I was at this game last season, when Newcastle won 4-3 after being 3-1 down, and it was probably one of the results that meant Lopetegui's predecessor, David Moyes, was not offered a new deal.

Hammers fans have been underwhelmed by what they have seen since Lopetegui arrived, because it is not working out under him. As I’ve said before, I don’t quite know what kind of team they are trying to be.

I don’t see them getting any joy at St James' Park this time, either. Alexander Isak looked back to his best when Newcastle beat Forest last time out, and they should be too strong for West Ham too.

Hooton's prediction: 2-1

I have got relatives who are West Ham fans so I want them to do well, but I can't see them getting anything here. I know what Lopetegui is trying to do, and I think they have got to stick with him - chopping and changing is not going to get them anywhere - but, unfortunately, I think if they lose a couple more games then he will be out.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Alexander Isak but Newcastle United will demand at least £115m for their 25-year-old Swedish striker. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell have held initial talks with the club's Saudi Arabian owners to discuss their plans for the January transfer market, when 35-year-old Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka could leave. (Chronicle), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Joe Nelson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

When Sandro Tonali arrived at Newcastle United last summer, it was thought he would bolster the midfield at the expense of homegrown talent Sean Longstaff.

He made quite the impact on opening day in the 5-1 win over Aston Villa but ended up suspended for the majority of the season. Then, at the start of 2024-25, it appeared as though Eddie Howe was struggling to find the right balance, with a trio of Joelinton, Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes not quite clicking.

A wide selection of midfielders is not a luxury Newcastle were afforded last season, with Eddie Howe's squad ravaged by injuries. Now, he must make tough decisions, which has meant leaving Longstaff out on occasion.

In recent weeks, by accommodating Joelinton on the wing, the North Shields local has been reinstated in the Newcastle starting XI, alongside Guimaraes and Joe Willock.

This has resulted in a more fluid Magpies setup and, as we heard from fans on Thursday, Longstaff is playing a crucial role in improved Newcastle form.

This season, Newcastle have played 11 Premier League games, winning five. Longstaff has started six games, including all five victories.

Howe's team have three clean sheets this term - Longstaff started two of these matches. The Magpies have scored more than once in three league fixtures so far this term, with Longstaff starting all three of these matches as well.

This positive trend goes further back, with the 27-year-old starting 30 of Newcastle's 38 Premier League games last term, winning 17 of these.

After the opening-day win over Villa, Longstaff remained on the bench for consecutive losses against City, Liverpool and Brighton.

Brought back into the starting XI in a 1-0 win at home to Brentford, the midfielder remained in the line-up as Newcastle went on a seven-game unbeaten streak, scoring 20 goals - including the memorable 8-0 win over Sheff Utd featured.

Newcastle kept 10 clean sheets in the league last season - Longstaff started nine of these games. They scored more than one goal in 22 matches - Longstaff started 20 of these.

In 2022-23, as Howe's side qualified for the Champions League, their homegrown number 36 once again played a pivotal role. Longstaff lost only twice out of 28 starts during this campaign. Newcastle kept 14 clean sheets, with 12 of these being when the midfielder started.

The statistics do not lie. Longstaff has been a crucial cog in Howe's machine since he took over as Magpies boss, both in attack and defence, and he continues to be an unsung local hero in the ranks.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has backed striker Alexander Isak to be "one of world's best".

The 25-year-old has found goalscoring form recently having netted in four consecutive domestic games and adding another while on international duty with Sweden.

Despite being out with a toe injury for part of this season, he has taken his goal contributions for the Magpies this campaign to five goals and two assists.

Having struggled for consistent fitness, Howe will now be hoping Isak can remain fit and continue in this form as they look to trophy success and European qualification this season.

"[Isak] is building momentum into his season," Howe said.

"He has scored some big goals of late for us and his general performances have continued to improve. He has gone away for Sweden and played really well and I'm delighted with how he has looked on international duty to continue that good form.

"Being a striker - having not been one myself, but from experience - it is all about confidence and how you feel.

"Alex has got undoubted qualities and I would put him right up there in strikers currently playing in the world, but his potential is great.

"If he can continue on the path he has been the past couple of seasons, he can prove himself as one of world's best.

"Without putting pressure on him, that would be my target if I was him."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is getting closer to a return but they need to "learn from previous issues" to make sure he remains fit.

The 32-year-old has been a long-term absentee with a back injury and has not featured this season.

Wilson has struggled to remain consistently fit and Howe has acknowledged they cannot rush the forward back if they want to keep him on the pitch.

"He's doing well. We anticipate he's going to train with the group today," the Newcastle boss said on Friday.

"Whether he's quite there for West Ham, let's see. There is a chance he could be involved, but we need to get through the next few days in training first.

"The most important thing is that Callum does come back and when he does come back he's in a good place to contribute and make a difference.

"Obviously we're at a delicate stage of his return because we've got to manage the last parts correctly. He's such a valuable player but we need to learn from previous issues that we've had and try to keep him on the pitch."

Kieran Trippier is another player who could return against the Hammers on Monday night, having been out with a hamstring injury since the beginning of October.

"[Trippier is] slightly closer than Callum. He trained yesterday and trained well, felt good, no ill effects, looked sharp.

"That was his first day's training so we're in a similar position in the respect that right at the end of the rehab you've got to navigate the last few days well."

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against West Ham United (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe confirmed there "is a chance" for Callum Wilson to feature in this game but they will have to see how he reacts in training over the next few days.

• He added it is a "delicate stage" of Wilson's return and they "need to learn from previous issues and try to keep him on the pitch" so when he comes back he can be "in a place to contribute".

• Howe also confirmed Kieran Trippier is "slightly closer" to a return than Wilson, but Emil Krafth has had an operation and will be out for "six to eight weeks".

• Playing on Monday night means the "gap between games was longer than we would want" but they have been able to "use the time wisely" with their trip to Saudi Arabia during the international break.

• On remembering their 4-3 comeback win in this fixture last season: "This is a totally different game with a different manager. They have improved over the summer with players. It will be challenging but we're keen to keep momentum going from before the break."

• On his pride at watching Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall play for England: "We sat down with staff together and watched it. Enormous amount of pride watching them perform and at how well they performed. Great to see Anthony score his first goal, Tino win his first cap and Hall look so comfortable. Big moments for them in their careers and they will look back on them with pride."

• Howe feels Alexander Isak is "right up there as one of best strikers playing in the world right now" and added: "If he can continue on this path, he is going to prove himself as one of world's best. I won't put that pressure on him but that should be what he is trying to achieve."

• On if he has spoken to Newcastle's hierarchy about the January transfer window: "Loose discussions. We will sit down in a couple of weeks to firm up those ideas of where we can go and want to go. This will be a complex window for us. There is lots of decisions to make and we always need to comply with PSR."

• Following the news of the Premier League's APT vote on Friday, Howe said his "priorities" are elsewhere and he can only "make football decision based around the rules that are set".

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

Newcastle and West Ham are among the Premier League clubs interested in French forward Randal Kolo Muani, who PSG are set to make available for loan. (Caught Offside), external

Meanwhile, Newcastle's interest in Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, 24, is not likely to be rekindled in January due to Dutch defender Sven Botman's imminent return from injury. (Times - subscription required), external

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

Newcastle's interest in Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, 24, is not likely to be rekindled in January due to Dutch defender Sven Botman's imminent return from injury. (Times - subscription required), external

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

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on things that are not being talked about at Newcastle but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Ian: I think something not really talked about for Newcastle is if current profit and sustainability rules [PSR) don’t change, then can they ever win a title? We’re already talking about selling Alexander Isak when the priority should be buying more players of his calibre not moving him on. Football clubs should be protected from irresponsible owners - but stifling ambition is wrong.

Matt: The one thing (or rather person) no one is talking about is Sean Longstaff. He’s massively underrated by many and is hugely important to us. You can see how much better balanced we are when he plays. He does a lot of the hard yards that allows others to thrive. Some fans need to get off his back and look at the facts.

Harry: The recent form uptick coincides with reverting to the team that finished fourth two seasons ago, replacing Sandro Tonali with Longstaff and re-establishing the Joe Willock-Joelinton axis on the left. In the world of PSR, Howe needs to be able to trade players, balance the books and improve the team. If he can’t then his days are numbered.

Bob: It is interesting that we are not missing Kieran Trippier, who was such a stalwart of the past couple of seasons. A lot of talk about Tino Livramento, but not much about the man he has replaced.

Steve: Newcastle need to sort out the goalkeeping situation. Nick Pope hasn't looked the same since he returned. He seems reluctant to come off his line and invariably punches rather than catching the ball. He's lost that air of confidence, which then affects the whole defence.

Chris: The desperate need for a right winger in January. Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi would improve Newcastle's first XI so much.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff says Eddie Howe's trust is the "biggest thing" behind his recent confident performances and that he is enjoying playing football after a change of "perspective".

The Magpies have won all six games that Longstaff has started this season, including fine performances in the last two against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

"The midfield group is really strong," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "When you look around it's all internationals. It's just about trying to bring my strengths to the team.

"I know the manager trusts me which is the biggest thing. No matter what anyone ever says, the fact he trusts me gives me the most confidence."

Longstaff had a gruelling 2023-24 season, playing 46 games in all competitions either side of an ankle problem, but believes the "burden" on him has been lifted slightly.

"It's funny," he said, "the season we qualified for the Champions League, I tried to enjoy it as much as possible.

"Then, last year there was games every three days and with lads being injured, I think the burden of trying to win every game can mean the enjoyment leaves a little bit.

"Turning 27, I'm thinking I've got a maximum of 10 years left playing football and my perspective has changed a little bit. I've had a little boy now too so I'm just trying to enjoy the games as much as I can and hopefully being a bit freer will help performances."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club but this week he's in the hotseat answering your questions.

Paul asked: Where do you think Newcastle’s support, and home match day atmosphere, ranks compared with other Premier League teams?

Nedum replied: Newcastle is a very, very tough place to go when there are good times are at the club. It is probably one of the toughest places in the country.

The crowd are really loud, they are right behind the team and they give it to the opposition. When you play in that environment - and the away fans are up in what feels like the highest point in England - it is very hard to get a hold of performances there.

It is usually wall to wall Newcastle fans and when the atmosphere is turned up there is a buzz within the city and in the stadium. That makes the players energised and it is reflected in their overall home record.

I think they like playing some of the bigger teams and having that underdog label because it allows them to play their football and get the crowd going. When that happens it is a really hard place to play.

There are stadia across the country that are like that but there is no where quite like Newcastle in the sense that they haven't won something in a long time but feel like they are a dominant side in football.

On the contrary, when Newcastle aren't playing well, fans will let their frustrations be heard. That is when it is becomes a bit easier for the opposition.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Newcastle and Liverpool are interested in 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo. (Sun)

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

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BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club but this week he's in the hotseat answering your questions.

Steve asked: Why are Newcastle considering selling Alexander Isak to raise the money to buy a top striker? Isn’t he a top striker, so why sell him?

Nedum replied: It is a good question because as far as the Premier League goes, he is up there in terms of strikers. He did very well last season and now that he is back from injury he looks set to get a few more goals as well.

I don't understand why they would sell one striker to bring in another but maybe there is more to it?

It could be a Profit and Sustainability Rules situation and in that case it would be a great shame to lose their top goal scorer because of that. Especially at a club like Newcastle, who are so proud of their number nines and strikers.

It doesn't make sense from a fan perspective or a true footballing perspective to sell him.

If this is what teams have to do to stay within the rules then it leads you to question the situation as a whole.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

After a mixed start to the season, Newcastle have quietly been picking up form and results in recent games.

The uptick has seen Eddie Howe's side get themselves back into the fight for European football next season as they sit just one point off third place in the league, while also progressing to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

But what is the one thing - good or bad - that isn't being talked about in relation to the Magpies right now?

Let us know here, external

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Newcastle are one of two clubs yet to drop a point from a winning position in the Premier League this season, along with leaders Liverpool. In fact, the Magpies have won their past 10 league matches in which they have led - their longest such run since 11 in a row from February to August 2006.

Newcastle have used fewer players (19) than any other side in the Premier League this season, while only Crystal Palace (four) have had fewer players score for them (excluding own goals) in the division than the Magpies' five.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak has scored in all three of his Premier League games against West Ham, netting twice in both meetings in 2023-24. No Newcastle player has scored more than one goal in three consecutive Premier League games against one team, while no player has ever done so against the Hammers.

Arsenal have made Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak their top attacking target, while the Magpies will consider Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lille's Jonathan David as replacements. (TeamTalk), external

The Magpies are also eyeing a move for 17-year-old Sporting and Portugal winger Geovany Quenda, but face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United. (Give Me Sport), external

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

BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club.

But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

So what do you want to ask for a former player. Best opponent? Most memorable team-mate he played with?

Or maybe you're just interested in what next for your club this season?

Send in your questions, external

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On Sunday against the Republic of Ireland, England had three Newcastle United players in a starting line-up for only the third time ever.

Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon, who have come through the England set-up, were selected by interim boss Lee Carsley to play at Wembley.

The last time three Magpies featured was in April 1997 when David Batty, Rob Lee and Alan Shearer played against Georgia.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after scoring his first senior international goal for England on Sunday against the Republic of Ireland.

"It is better late than never, but it is about time!" joked the 23-year-old. "I’ve had some great chances but not been able to put them away.

"It was a good feeling to see it hit the net. I got to celebrate it with some of the lads I have come through the England set-up with. That made it a bit more special.

"I think Lee Carsley deserves a lot of credit. He fills us with so much confidence.

"I finally have a goal now, so hopefully there will be plenty to come."

For more England reaction listen to the Football Daily podcast

Newcastle United could look to sell forward Alexander Isak and use the money for a world-class replacement. (Football Insider), external

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

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There has been some pressure on players carrying an injury going into international breaks with their national side because you are contracted to these clubs and that is where your income is.

But, for me, as a player I had a similar mindset to Harry Kane that I would always be available - injured or not injured. I would have injections when I was on international duty just so I could represent my country because it meant that much.

It is difficult, however. If you look at Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola's comments, he has a point because the forward has not been able to play for Manchester City because of injuries. So if you have been sidelined for three or four games, I would agree that you are then not fit and available to go on international duty.

But when you look at some of the other players, ones who have been playing and being managed by their club, then I do not see it being different to being played and managed by your country.

From the club's side, when they are competing at such high levels in the Premier League, you can understand why they would want their players to be rested and get fully fit again over the two weeks, rather than having to come back straight into a hectic period of fixtures.

I kind of get it from both points of view but, as a player, if I am half fit and being played by my club, I would be fully available for my national team.

It is really difficult with the pressure that is on the players, though. I would not look at it as a decision players have made solely.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Newcastle United have joined Premier League rivals Brentford, Fulham and Nottingham Forest in chasing Botafogo and Brazil striker Igor Jesus, 23. (TBR), external

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