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Should Newcastle save Isak?published at 07:56 10 March
07:56 10 March
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On BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport show, former Newcastle defender John Anderson responded to a fan question about Alexander Isak.
David texted to Total Sport to ask do you not think Eddie Howe might be tempted to not play Isak on Monday and simply just wrap him up for the cup final?
"I think if Isak's fit, I think he plays," Anderson said.
"I know the cup final is a huge game for us. It's an opportunity to win silverware, something that hasn't been done for a long, long time but Monday night is massive as well. We need to keep winning Premier League games because there's so much at stake. You want to finish in those European places.
"I can understand people wanting certain players wrapped up, I totally get that but I still think Monday night's a huge, huge game for us."
Sutton's predictions: West Ham v Newcastlepublished at 07:54 10 March
07:54 10 March
West Ham are showing signs of improvement under Graham Potter and are going for a third-straight win.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe's first problem is who is fit and available.
I don't think Howe will rest anyone ahead of next weekend's Carabao Cup final, because his side are still going for a top-five finish and it would be huge for the club if they make it back into the Champions League.
But there is a doubt over Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall is out for the season and Anthony Gordon is suspended after his red card against Brighton - I saw someone call him 'Rash Gordon' which is a great line.
All of that, on top of West Ham's current form, makes me think this will end up in a draw.
Geordies abroad: What makes Toon fans travel so well?published at 15:23 9 March
15:23 9 March
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Tops off, bellies out, jumping in bodies of water. It's the Newcastle way.
On the latest Total Sport Newcastle United podcast, host Raul Kohli is joined by comedian Kai Humphries and the pair reminisce about the atmosphere around Milan ahead of the Champions League tie with the Italian giants last season.
That is before they begrudgingly delve into the disappointing recent results on and off the pitch as a "dark cloud" looms above Toon fans going into the Carabao Cup final next weekend.
West Ham v Newcastle: Did you know?published at 12:00 9 March
12:00 9 March
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Following their 2-0 win at St James' Park in November, West Ham are looking to complete the Premier League double over Newcastle for the first time since 2018-19.
Only Southampton (7.5%) have a lower shot conversion rate in the Premier League this season than West Ham (9%), with the Hammers also hitting the lowest proportion of their shots on target so far this term (30%).
Against no side has Newcastle's Harvey Barnes scored more Premier League goals than he has against West Ham (6), with three of his six strikes against the Hammers coming as a substitute.
'Cup finals are one-off games'published at 14:16 8 March
14:16 8 March
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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson has called on squad players to "make a name for themselves" as "anything is possible" in the League Cup final.
Newcastle have been hit by injuries and suspensions in the last week, losing Sven Botman, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon, with the Wembley final set for 16 March.
On BBC Radio Newcastle, one fan called in and explained he was frustrated as some fans seem to hold little hope after the setbacks.
Anderson said: "I think cup finals as we all know are one-off games. We have seen some big upsets in finals in the past - Wigan beating Manchester City, Sunderland beating that great Leeds side. Even last season, Man Utd beating City, no one saw that coming. It's all about the side that turns up on the day.
"Yes we have key injuries and if those players were fit they would play. But it's an opportunity for people to come in and make a name for themselves on a big, big stage. On the day, anything is possible.
"It gives somebody else the chance to be a hero and go and make a name for themselves."
"I think the league game next week against West Ham on Monday night is hugely important to bring momentum into the cup final.
"You have got to keep the faith and believe going down there. If we could win at West Ham it would be a huge confidence boost for us as well."
'Pope's distribution holds him back from pushing Pickford'published at 18:35 7 March
18:35 7 March
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As Thomas Tuchel approaches his first England squad, I'm wondering who may make an appearance from the slightly less obvious candidates.
I'd argue in terms of shot-stopping and presence Nick Pope is probably the best English goalkeeper.
If you're looking for that old school, all-round kind of goalkeeper with presence who will block shots he's one of the best in the Premier League.
But, we know how the modern game is. If you're not equally good in possession it holds you back.
What he lacks is in distribution, he's not the tidiest in possession and that's the only downfall to his performances as a goalkeeper.
The only reason why I would not pick Pope is we know he isn't that good with and comfortable with his feet.
We know with the way Tuchel plays he wants a goalkeeper who can do both - a commanding shot-stopper who can also play with his feet.
He also probably hasn't returned to full fitness. Last season, before the injury, I think Pope was the standout English goalkeeper and probably should have been given a chance.
When Newcastle were qualifying for the Champions League and Jordan Pickford wasn't playing that well, he should have had a decent run of games for England then.
But, we know how England like to play with the ball and that's the one thing that really holds him back from pushing Pickford.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward
'Hall took it quite emotionally' - Howepublished at 15:48 7 March
15:48 7 March
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been reacting to the news left-back Lewis Hall will miss the remainder of the season.
With the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool looming next weekend, Howe said: "He took it quite emotionally - and you expect that because Lewis, and every player here, has given everything to be in the position where they can win a trophy for this football club."
If Lewis Hall's season-ending injury is still frustrating you, we advise that you look away now.
A look into his statistics for the season demonstrates exactly what Newcastle will be missing out on as he has been one of the league's top left-backs in multiple departments - and at either end of the pitch.
Whether it is Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento or someone else who steps in, they will have to be on top form to stand any chance of matching Hall's contributions.
Magpies left flank has 'taken a big hit'published at 11:57 7 March
11:57 7 March
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Botman & Hall: Ando "feels" for injured defenders
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle about injuries to Lewis Hall and Sven Botman: "These injuries couldn't have come at a worse time for them individually and for the club. We're almost down to single figures [number of games] left in the league and you've got a cup final coming up. To be without your best players is a big loss."
BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck added: "[Anthony] Gordon plays on the left, Hall is the left-back and Botman was the left-sided centre back. That side of the pitch has taken a real hit over the last few days."
You can listen to Anderson and Raisbeck by hitting play above. And if you're after some more Newcastle discussion listen to the latest episode of the BBC Newcastle Total Sport podcast below, or here on BBC Sounds.
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The latest Newcastle United podcast: Wembley, chants and defensive issues
Howe on Hall and Botman injuries, and 'huge game' at West Hampublished at 10:00 7 March
10:00 7 March
Marissa Thomas BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game at West Ham (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On Lewis Hall's injury, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season: "The feeling in his ankle got to the point where it needed investigating. He had some swelling and we investigated it and got to where we are now."
Howe continued: "With any player at this moment, he took it quite emotionally - and you expect that because Lewis, and every player here, has given everything to be in the position where they can win a trophy for this football club. He had the cup final and then internationals coming up. He was in really good form. It is a big blow for him and for us. The most important thing now is his recovery and making sure he comes back as well as he can. He's going to have an operation and once he does that he will be in a different place."
On Sven Botman suffering another injury lay-off: "We have been trying to get him back to full fitness. He was very close to the Brighton game but the day before he felt something again in his knee. This week, he has had the same discomfort so it looks like he will have to have an operation. He needs a small operation to clear out some fluid and then he should be fine again. We hope he should be back in about eight weeks."
On how the last week has been: "It's not been the best of weeks. It has been one of those weeks that challenges you in the job that I am in. You need to put it in perspective - we have a strong squad and a strong team. We're going to miss the players that we are going to lose, but it is always someone else's opportunity."
On facing West Ham: "It's a huge game for us and we can't get distracted and lose the focus on the Premier League. All the talk will be on the game ahead. I see determination from the players to try to do well. West Ham is always a tough place to go to and Graham Potter is a difficult manager to prepare teams against, so we're looking forward to the challenge."
On Anthony Gordon's red card and the decision not to appeal: "It's always a discussion point. We discussed it as a club and we just felt there wasn't sufficient grounds to appeal that. You have to review the incident. There was no intention from Anthony to hurt anybody but we didn't think it had any chance of being successful - so what's the point of appealing? Anthony understands that."
🎧 The blow of Hall's injury before Wembleypublished at 08:43 7 March
08:43 7 March
In the latest episode of the Newcastle United Podcast, the Total Sport team are joined by comedian Anth Young to chat all things Newcastle, but most importantly, the upcoming trip to Wembley.
Plus, they discuss the Magpies defence after Lewis Hall was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Newcastle Q&A: Does Howe's job depend on Champions League football?published at 17:29 6 March
17:29 6 March
Matthew Raisbeck BBC Radio Newcastle reporter
Image source, Getty Images
In the final part of Thursday's special Q&A, we ask Matthew Raisbeck how secure Eddie Howe's job is at Newcastle.
Pete asked: In my opinion the League Cup final is a complete write-off as I cannot envisage a scenario where we beat Liverpool. In that case, does Eddie Howe's job depend on securing Champions League football?
Matthew answered: I understand your negative feelings towards the League Cup final. There are parallels with the build-up in 2023 when the match came during a bad run of form - their worst of that season - and a key player was suspended for the final. Two years ago, there also seemed to be more excitement and emotion about Wembley - perhaps because it had been so long their last visit.
Now, with Anthony Gordon suspended, Lewis Hall out for the season, and Sven Botman's fitness uncertain, they will likely be without three first-choice players - and will need an entirely new left side for the final.
However, even with key men missing, they absolutely CAN beat Liverpool, and I believe they will.
Regardless, I do not see Eddie Howe being in danger if they lose at Wembley and then fail to finish in the top five. Newcastle recognise the job he has done in keeping them competitive near the top and in the cups, despite not having any major signings in the last three transfer windows.
He needs support and some new players in the summer - wherever they finish.
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.
Newcastle Q&A: Which tactics should Howe deploy for the final?published at 14:31 6 March
14:31 6 March
Matthew Raisbeck BBC Radio Newcastle reporter
Image source, Getty Images
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.
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.
'I would play through anything if I could' - Hall on 'devastating' injurypublished at 14:29 6 March
14:29 6 March
Image source, Getty Images
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."
Newcastle Q&A: What will happen in the summer?published at 11:40 6 March
11:40 6 March
Matthew Raisbeck BBC Radio Newcastle reporter
Image source, Getty Images
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.
Newcastle Q&A: Why are performances so inconsistent?published at 08:25 6 March
08:25 6 March
Matthew Raisbeck BBC Radio Newcastle reporter
Image source, Getty Images
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.
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
Newcastle Q&A: Have Howe's tactics been found out?published at 08:25 6 March
08:25 6 March
Matthew Raisbeck BBC Radio Newcastle reporter
Image source, Getty Images
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.
'A huge blow for him' - Howey on Hall's season-ending injurypublished at 08:08 6 March
08:08 6 March
Image source, Getty Images
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."
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Listen: Steve Howey on Lewis Hall's season-ending injury
Image source, Getty Images
