Newcastle Utd smashed down the defensive walls of Fortress Villa Park last night as they dismantled Aston Villa’s 18 match unbeaten home record on Tuesday night.
 
Building on the confidence gained from last weekend’s fourth round cup win at Fulham the magpies produced a dazzling performance that belied the fact that they have only picked up maximum points in three of their last ten league outings. 
 
From the first minute Howe’s team were on the front foot while Villa looked rather lethargic in both their approach and endeavour. Where Villa were disjointed Newcastle were playing with a purpose, looking well organized and with a gameplan to not only frustrate but take the game to their hosts.
 
Newcastle went ahead on 32 minutes through Fabien Schar as he connected with a well taken corner from Trippier to place his shot past the despairing Martinez. And five minutes later that same combination came together to make it 0:2 when Trippier’s corner was cleared only as far as Anthony Gordon, whose shot rebounded off the crossbar and Schar prodded home the rebound from six yards.
 
And things got even better from the magpies on 52 minutes when Almiron, who had come on for the injured Isak broke on the left and as the Villa defenders closed in, he placed a wonderful pass across the six-yard box for Murphy at the far post and his shot finally nestled in the bottom corner off the sliding Villa defender.
 
Villa looked shellshocked but with over forty minutes still to play they managed to regroup; and when Watkins pulled a goal back on 71 minutes and had further effort disallowed three minutes later, the 3,000 travelling fans plus the thousands watching on TV couldn’t be questioned if they were seen holding their breath wondering if the three points might not be heading back to tyneside after all.
But this team is made of sterner stuff and with the defensive unit of Trippier, Burn, Botman and Schar looking back in the form that Howe built his own defensive fortress upon, any concerns proved to be ill founded.
 
And with Bruno Guimarães seeing off the endeavours of Kamara, Diaby and Tieleman’s who were all replaced on 63 minutes while Longstaff and Miley were always able to rely on the offensive running of Almiron, Murphy and Gordon as they all put in motm performances.
 
Speaking after the game a delighted Eddie Howe had some interesting words to say not just on the win but also about the squad he has assembled and in what high regards he holds them, both collectively and as individuals.
 
"It’s sort of mixed emotions for me because I look at that team tonight and the way we played, and I think it’s an elite team that is capable of achieving great things.
 
"The mixed emotions part is that we haven’t seen that for a number of weeks, and it’s been a really challenging period for us.
 
"A number of injuries, the team has looked disjointed. Today we looked much more like ourselves.
 
"We had players that had been injured come back and had a bit of game time now and I think that’s showing in their performances.
 
Howe also made some interesting comments regarding his own desire to see this squad of players flourish, playing the style of football that underpins his own philosophy which he knows they are capable of reproducing on a consistent basis.
 
"When you’re in my shoes and you’re coaching and managing the team, you want to see a team that is linked to how you want them to play.
 
"Most importantly is the spirit and determination to do well and execute our best level. And I think that has been there, I just think the frustration has been that we’ve just looked a little bit off colour. 
 
"We haven’t looked fluent for reasons that sometimes have been beyond the players’ control, but today I saw the identity that we were looking for. 
 
"We know every game is so tough but of course we hope to use this as a springboard to get back our very best levels consistently."
 
Next Up its Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle Utd are back to league business tonight as they travel to the midlands to take on Unai Emery’s surprise package Aston Villa at Villa Park.
 
Newcastle ran out 5:1 winner’s on the opening day of the season but since that hot summers day on Tyneside the fortunes of both teams have headed in different directions, with Emery’s team showing little ill effect from that opening day drumming as the league campaign developed.
 
The manner of their wins against Manchester City and Arsenal in December showed that Emery has knitted together a team that must be viewed as more than simply the surprise package of the season and they will go into this fixture with revenge for that August defeat very much in mind.
 
Heading into this evening's clash, Howe said: "It seems a long time ago. I think we were at our best from an attacking sense that day. We grew in confidence as the game went on and we scored some great goals. The squad looked healthy, and we had options - it was a difficult team to pick. I think that showed what we're capable of."
 
Fast forward six months and the situation, although not critical is nonetheless not where Howe wants to be.
Yes, his team go into this gamne on the back of a fine away win in the cup against premier league opposition, its full points on the road that Howe needs to start collecting after a barren spell that stretches back to the demolition of Sheffield Utd back in mid-September. 
 
On the injury and illness front both Lascelles and Almiron are both doubts having been unavailable for the trip to Fulham. 
Kieran Trippier will be assessed although early reports indicate that he should be ok to start, having been withdrawn late on at Craven Cottage with a groin problem.
Joelinton is definitely out having undergone an operation that will side-line him until at least the end of April. And while Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes are making progress, neither are yet ready to return while Matt Targett continues to recover from surgery and will therefore not be facing his old club. Elliott Anderson remains unavailable, but Callum Wilson could make the squad.
 
Villa meanwhile come into the game without five first team players. Pau Torres, Lucas Digne and Jhon Duran, Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia are all unavailable, while Jacob Ramsey may not be risked as he recovers from his recent hamstring problem.
 
Tonight’s Referee is John Brooks. His Assistants running the line are Lee Betts and Akil Howson while the fourth official is Michael Salisbury. The VAR hut will be manned by Andy Madley.  In the Assistant VAR deckchair is Harry Lennard.

Due to Darren Eales recent utterings Eddie Howe’s pre match press conference was very much centred on the clubs’ position regarding, incomings, outgoings, and the topic of the month; namely FFP how we can still operate effectively within the Premier League’s profit and Sustainability Rules.
 
Questioned specifically on the transfer window Howe was very forthcoming, saying “It's been a difficult window so far. It's the first time since I've been manager that we've been linked with players leaving. That creates an unsettling dynamic.
A lot of those rumours have been just that. Rumours. I'm trying to prepare our team for the next game”.
 
On possible incomings Howe was less forthcoming and more philosophical in his choice of words. “I don't know. Things are changing on a daily basis. We're working behind the scenes on targets. But there's no guarantee it will happen.
It's my end to try and leave the window with the strongest squad possible and that won't change”.
 
The first player out of the door during this window is Javier Manquillo, who has joined Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo. Speaking of the departure Howe said “I'm not sure it gives us much wiggle room in the transfer market but very sad to see him go. He's been a loyal servant and seen a lot in his years here. He's been very supportive of the players as he has been injured this year. Very talented player and sad to see him go. Wish him well for the future”.
 
Next up for those participating in press conference bingo was the future of Joelinton as he enters the final 18 months of his contract and seeking a fresh deal that reflects his standing as one of Howe’s blue-chip players. Asked if he could be a victim of the FFP situation, Howe said: “It’s a possibility but I hope that’s not the case… I want him to stay. Before a player signs a contract, he has to be happy with everything… and so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer”.
 
Confirming that the Brazilian has undergone an operation Howe added “it’s a massive blow for us. We knew when he did the injury it immediately didn't look good. We didn't know he'd be out as long. He's had a stop-start season. When he is fit and firing, there's no one like him and he brings a different dynamic to our midfield. He's a leader as well. He'll be a big miss”.
 
Turning to the future of Jamaal Lascelles amid speculation that he is wanted by Turkish side Besiktas, Howe simply said “He’s a big part of what we do. Want him to stay”.
 
With speculation and rumour flying around Tyneside, driven mainly by press utterings Howe said of Callum Wilson “It's been a strange one. A lot of speculation and a lot of it unfounded. From our side, he's a huge part of what we do. We're desperate to get our two strikers fit again. He's nearing a return and looks good. He's getting there. There's no part of me that wants to lose him.
In every conversation, he's 100 per cent committed. No part of him is looking elsewhere. He's got big ambitions and we want to keep him here. But some things are out of our control. The club is acting with the long-term interests of the club and they have to. Let's see what happens”.
 
On Almiron’s future Howe said similar as he did speaking of Wilson “Very similar. A lot of noise and speculation around his future. I'm desperate to keep him. He's been an integral part since I came to the club. His contribution has been immense.
There has been a lot of noise and it comes from somewhere but hopefully we can keep him”.
 
The only player among Howe’s squad for whom a firm offer has been rebuked is Kieran Trippier and Howe was equally careful with his words as he was talking about other players linked with moves. “We hope he will stay and we're very confident he will be part of our long-term future. But I have to make it clear he has never asked to leave or even questioned his future here. We've had conversations in the last week and it's always been about Newcastle. It's important I make that clear. His commitment to Newcastle shouldn't be questioned”.
 
“It's a huge compliment that a club like Bayern are interested. For us, to be sat here now, I want to keep all our best players. To contemplate losing a player at this stage would be very difficult for me personally, especially our best players.
His situation is finished. I've been in football long enough to never say 100 per cent. I don't want to look stupid but he's 100 per cent committed.”
 
Getting back to the weekend’s FA Cup 4th round tie and Craven Cottage Howe seemed to be happy to talk about matters that he does have some control over, saying “It is a big moment in our season as the Sunderland game was, this is an important competition for us now, a new dynamic because of what’s gone before. We are desperate to get our best form back and progress.
We are hopeful you will see a very energetic performance, and a very technical one because we have put a lot of work into that. We are determined to do well. I believe in this team”.
 
On the injury front Howe said "It's still a long list. Jacob Murphy has trained and looked good. Been pleased with his progress and it's a big positive. No one else has returned but they're getting closer and showing good signs”.
Murphy could well feature on Saturday evening.
 
Match referee is Jarred Gillett. VAR will be used and will be overseen by Robert Jones.
 

Newcastle Utd’s injury list has been further added to with the news that Joelinton with a thigh injury picked up in last weekend’s FA Cup win against Sunderland.
 
And with Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, and Elliot Anderson not available for selection before the end of the month, Howe could have done without Joelinton’s absence for the visit of last season’s champions Manchester City to St James’ Park for Saturday’s teatime kick off (5:30pm live on TNT Sports).
 
'The prospects over the next couple of weeks aren't good,' said Howe. 'It's an injury that will see him certainly miss, probably, a minimum of six weeks.’
 
'It's a real (huge) blow for us because he's such an important player. He's had a very stop-start season unfortunately this year, where he was so consistent last year. He has got a problem with his tendon in his quad. It’s a difficult place to get an injury hence the reason why he’s out. He’s very disappointed and we’ve been trying to pick him up. Joey’s injury is a freak one where he’s standing up and been caught off balance.’
 
Callum Wilson is another that Howe cannot call upon for the visit of Manchester City as he continues to recover from a calf problem. When asked about Wilson how said; 'We're well aware of what Callum's problem is and the timescale on it. We're hoping that he can be back in and around for the Aston Villa game, that's what we're looking at. Obviously, if it takes a bit longer, we'll take that time, but we don't see it being a long-term issue.'
 
Jacob Murphy continues to be unavailable as do other long term absentees Matt Targett, Javier Manquillo and Nick Pope. And of course, Sandro Tonali remains on the naughty step as his suspension rolls on. 
 
Howe will be hoping that Lewis Miley has shaken off the effects of some heavy treatment dished out on him last weekend and be available for selection. The youngster has done remarkably well slotting in alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff and will certainly not be overawed facing the league champions.
 
Manchester City meanwhile have injury problems of their own with Erling Haaland and John Stones ruled out, while Jack Grealish is a doubt having struggled with illness this week.
 
Kevin de Bruyne however is available for selected having recovered from a long-term hamstring injury. 
 
Whether Guardiola selects de Bruyne to start however remains to be seen and listening to his comments regarding the Belgian midfielder during his pre match press it would not be a surprise if de Bruyne started on the bench tomorrow.
 
Guardiola said of de Bruyne he "feels really good. He's getting better, we have a game and then a few days off, he will train a little bit. After, we will go altogether for four or five training sessions in Abu Dhabi and that will help him to be better for the next games."
 
The Referee is Chris Kavanagh, and his Assistants are Simon Bennett and Neil Davies. Fourth official is Tim Robinson. 
The VAR hut will be manned by Peter Bankes, and he will be assisted by Simon Long. 

Newcastle Utd polished off a professional performance at the home of their deadly rivals Sunderland and in doing so moved on into the fourth round of the FA cup for the first timer under the tenure of head coach Eddie Howe.
 
Much had been made on Wearside in the build-up to this game about how home advantage coupled with Newcastle’s abysmal form since the draw was made would be a leveller for the black cats. However, the gulf in class between the two sides was evident from the first minute as Howe’s team went about their business.
 
Quicker in passing, slicker in transition and overall possessing too much quality across the park, Newcastle dazzled while Sunderland’s spark failed to ignite. 
 
Despite the advantage of knowing that Newcastle plays a high pressing game with a tempo to match, Sunderland were incapable of producing any combative answer as Bruno, Joelinton and Longstaff took command of the midfield and in doing so provided Isak, Almiron and Gordon with all the ammunition needed to torture the Wearsiders back line. 
 
And on the odd occasion that Sunderland did get possession in the opposition half they were quickly snuffed out by a combination of Schar, Botman and Burn, while Trippier occupied most of the game in an offensive role rather than as a full back.
 
Three could easily have been five if the referee had the courage of his convictions and penalised first Ballard for wrestling down and Isak as he bore down on goal and then Hume for pulling back Gordon and in doing so almost ripping his shirt from his back.
On both occasions referee Pawson waved protests away and with no VAR to fall back on, proved that premier league referee’s really do rely on VAR to make the big decisions.
 
And on another day Newcastle could have been out of sight before the luckless Ballard put into his own net if Sean Longstaff had brought along his shooting boots.
 
Longstaff also failed to put away a headed chance which was gathered by Patterson in the Sunderland goal before Ballard’s shin connected with the ball and fired it into the net past Patterson with Isak primed to do just that!
 
Meanwhile at the other end, Dubravka was very much a passenger as the hosts went in at half time having failed to register a single effort on target.
 
Whatever Sunderland coach Michael Beale said at half time was still being absorbed by Sunderland’s Pierre Ekwah as his lethargic hesitancy was cashed in on by the ever-dangerous Miguel Almiron who took the ball off him in the home sides penalty area before slipping a pass to Isak, who tapped home from eight yards to double the lead in the 46th minute.
 
The away end commenced their celebrations and only a brief five minutes midway through the second half made them reassess their chants about a Wembley weekend next May when Pritchard first called Dubravka into action to divert his goal bound shot and then watch as the same player clipped the top of his cross bar. Although, to be fair to Dubravka, he did have it covered!
 
By now, Newcastle’s control of the game was complete, as Bruno continued to dominate the centre of the park despite the loss of his fellow Brazilian as Joelinton was removed from the proceedings on 47minutes with what looked like a thigh problem. Miley joined the fray alongside Bruno and Longstaff and didn’t look out of place as he slotted in and Newcastle kept up the momentum.
 
The third goal came on 89 minutes courtesy of Isak from the penalty spot after Gordon was brought down in the area by Ballard with referee Pawson compounding his day by finally waving the yellow card in the defender’s direction.
 
Howe made four late substitutes, bringing on Tino Livramento, Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles, and Matt Ritchie as they ran down the clock before the full squad were able to celebrate in front of the 6,000 travelling fans at the final whistle as the home fans flocked for the stadium exits.
 
Speaking after the game Howe agreed with the statement posed by one of the assembled press that his team had delivered a professional job, Howe said: “Yes, very much that, I thought. We handled the early stages of the game really well today. We always knew it was going to be a difficult atmosphere, a big occasion, but in those early stages of the game, we took control of the ball, we drew the sting out of the match and performed really well.”
 
 "We always knew it was going to be a difficult atmosphere, a big occasion, but in those early stages of the game, we took control of the ball, we drew the sting out of the match and performed really well. “I thought physically today, there was a big change in our performance. The rest we've had in between the last game, I think, served us well.
"Energy levels looked at their maximum. That's been the hallmark of us for a long period of time and not through lack of effort from the players, but obviously that extra gear was missing from our performance in recent weeks.”
 
This was Newcastle getting back to their best and if some say they barely got out of second gear then who are we to argue.
 
As for Sunderland, what was surprising was the lack of intensity in Sunderland's play despite the atmosphere. They failed in every department to make any impression on a Newcastle side who looked bigger and stronger as well as the superior team, be it from a physical or footballing perspective. At times their most senior players lost their heads as frustration in their own ability took hold. 
 
And from a supporter perspective you cannot go into such a tie simply shouting about six in a row; particularly when you have not met your opponents in any competition for eight years and in that time have seen your side relegated twice and been out of topflight football for the entirety of that period.
 
Bragging rights need supported by more than history and, this Sunderland team are a million miles away from premier league quality.
 
And as for Wearside, they will now enter a period of self-flagellation, awash with accusation and counter accusation as the inquest into “Bar-gate” gets under way.  
 
Howay the Lads!

In what is now being referred to as “The Fewmin Derby” Saturday’s encounter has been given even more added spice as Sunderland supporters rage against their owner Louis Kyril Dreyfuss – the man whose money no doubt single handedly saved the club from the clutches of the official receiver.
 
The cause of their anger reverberates around what they perceive as a series of PR blunders that have handed Newcastle supporters a huge laugh at their expense. 
 
From ticketing mishaps to claims that the Black Cats Bar will be decorated in black and white in honour of their cup opponents, the fewm has reached top draw level as they await the arrival of the toon convoy.
 
Indeed, it’s been quite a fortnight for the fewmin Mackem supporters with a change of manager, a mixed bag of results and a general off pitch meltdown on everything from tickets numbers to where the visiting supporters will be accommodated inside the stadium. 
 
God knows what sort of state they will be come Saturday lunchtime in what is the first FA cup meeting of the two teams since 1956.
 
Meanwhile, back in the tranquil confines of Little Benton Eddie Howe and his squad are quietly getting on with their preparations for what is Newcastle’s biggest third round tie in recent seasons. The magpies have failed to get past the third round in their last three attempts; having stumbled against Sheffield Wednesday, Cambridge Utd and Arsenal respectively so Howe will be keen to get his first victory in the cup since arriving on Tyneside.
 
Speaking ahead of the game Howe said “I'm well aware of my record here... the two games we've had have been disappointing. I won't shy away from that, and we'll try make up for it in this game.
It's our opportunity to progress in a competition we want to do well in. We want the extra games so every part of us want to impress.”
 
“It's been a good week for us since the Liverpool game. We've trained well. We know the importance of the fixture and what it means to everybody. Hope we can give the best account of ourselves.”
When the draw was made, I gave the Geordies an opportunity to speak about the fixture, just to set the scene. The players know everything they need to know about the fixture. They know what it means.”
 
Howe continues to have injury concerns which impact on who he can name in his starting 
eleven, with Kieran Trippier a serious doubt and Callum Wilson definitely out. Trippier will undergo a fitness test on Friday before a decision is made on his availability.
 
Wilson joins a list of absentees that include Joe Willock, Elliott Anderson, Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, and Javier Manquillo that Howe is unable to call upon and with Sandro Tonali suspended his options are once again severely limited. 
 
Jamaal Lascelles returned to action on Monday night as a late substitute and while Dan Burn was withdrawn before the final whistle, this looked more tactical than medical induced.
 
The Wearsiders too have injury problems of their own. Long-term absentees Niall Huggins (knee) and Corry Evans (knee) are both out, and Bradley Dack (hamstring) is also expected to remain sidelined. Also unavailable is Dennis Cirkin whose comeback has been put on the back burner after a set back in training. 
 
A doubt also hangs over the availability of Patrick Roberts, after the winger limped out of the recent game against Rotherham with what appears to be a calf problem.
 
Speaking ahead of the game Sunderland’s head coach Michael Beale said:
 
"It's the first derby in more than seven years, which is far too long. It's the beauty of the FA Cup that's brought the game, and it's one that everybody in the nation will be watching.
"It's a great game to be involved in, for sure. It's a fixture that captivates everybody in the North-East, but more than that, I think everybody in the country.
 
"It's a huge fixture. We love our derbies, in general in English football.
"In this part of the world, it's great to have it [back] after more than seven years. We need to be at our very best.
 
"There's obviously a difference between the two teams at the moment, those seven years have been different for both clubs in terms of the ups and downs. As we arrive into the game, it's intriguing, with our young, ambitious team going up against a team that was in the Champions League this season."
 
The referee is Craig Pawson, and he will be assisted by flag wavers Marc Perry & Steven Meredith. The fourth official is Andrew Madley. 
The VAR officials get a week off as VAR is not in operation in this round of the competition unless the necessary equipment is already installed. 
 
KO is 12:45 and the game is live on ITV1.

Seven defeats out of a possible eight in all competitions is not the sort of form you want to take into a local derby but that is exactly what Eddie Howe’s beleaguered squad will be doing come Saturday’s FA cup 3rdRound tie, following their defeat at Anfield against an at times rampant Liverpool.
 
And the weather wasn’t the only storm they faced as from the off Liverpool besieged the Newcastle goal, running off a record 18 shots in the first half as Newcastle’s defence held on by the thinnest of threads. 
 
Alexander Arnold missed two great chances to put his side ahead as did Nunes, while Diaz had a goal chalked off for the narrowest of offsides before Liverpool were awarded a penalty which Salah failed to dispatch.
 
Newcastle’s goal was living a charmed life as chance after chance was thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and fine goalkeeping from Dubravka as he battled to keep his team in it.
 
However, even he could do nothing about the opener when it did come, as Diaz and Nunes set up Salah to tap home from short range in the 49th minute after the first half amazingly ended with the scores level.
 
Yet amazingly Newcastle were level on 54 minutes when Alexander Isak produced a clinical finish from his sides first shot on target, although they did have the ball in the net earlier, when Dan Burn’s header past Alisson was ruled offside.
 
However, Liverpool were not put off their strides they continued to play with the sort of intensity that we had come to expect from Newcastle in the last 12 months as they pressed and harried; worked the angles and making the most of the space that Newcastle presented them.
 
Liverpool’s second came as Jones tapped home following some fine interplay involving the ever-dangerous Salah and the Egyptian then set up Liverpool’s third goal when he linked up with substitutes Jota and Gapko; collectively £84m worst of talent that started the game on the bench before Gapko rolled Salah’s pass into the net.
 
On 81 minutes it looked like another of those Anfield night of the mid 90’s could be on the cards as back came Newcastle as Sven Botman headed home a corner to make it 3-2 but the fightback was not to be when Liverpool were awarded a second penalty when Dubravka was adjudged to have caught Jota with the finest of touches as the Portuguese striker rounded the outstretched keeper and then inexplicably fell to the turf with the goal at his beckoning.
Salah stepped up and sent Martin Dubravka the wrong way to secure the three points.
 
The victory means Liverpool are unbeaten in 22 games at Anfield and have now only lost one of their past 52 home games in the Premier League. They sit top of the table on 45 points; three clear of surprise package Aston Villa and five ahead of champions Man City, on 40 points but have a game in hand.
 
While we can point to injuries – Howe had 9 players unavailable last night and with long term suspendee Tonali merely watching from afar – Howe’s side have only earned five points away from St James' Park so far this season and have only kept one clean sheet in their past 19 away games.
 
The fluency of their game has gone; their passing is no longer as accurate as it was; their midfield is being overrun, their defence is a shadow of the one that set record after record last season and the momentum that their effort used to bring is no longer on show.
 
Howe needs his team to get back to doing the basics right; eliminate the errors and start to be more clinical when in possession. 
 
After probably the most hectic December in terms of fixtures that the club has ever endured, they play just three games in January - four if they beat Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on Saturday - and Howe must hope that his squad can benefit from this so called “winter break”, get his injured players back fit and get back to winning games.
 
Speaking after the game Howe told BBC Sport "We're battling to get our best levels back. The effort and determination was there. As long as we continue to see that we'll be fine.”
 
"The most important thing is we're fighting. We're missing a lot of players, we've had a lot of tough fixtures in a congested December."
 
Let’s hope he’s right!

Eddie Howe takes his injury depleted squad to Anfield hoping to see a turn in both luck and form following a dismal December.
 
Injuries to Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson have added to Howe’s problems with both ruled out with groin and calf problems respectively.
"In the last game, they both picked up injuries. We don't think they are too serious," Howe said. Thankfully, January is not as busy as December was but we'll wait and see how long they will be out for. We haven't really been training. We've been playing every three days. The squad was really stretched. We have had to protect the players we've had who were fit and available.”
 
"December was a really difficult month to navigate, but we're through that now, and hopefully we can return to ourselves."
 
Tripper and Wilson join long term-absentees Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Javier Manquillo. Jamaal Lascelles is a doubt while Sven Botman is available having disclosed that his recent absence has been down to a torn ACL which went undiagnosed for two games before he was eventually ruled out for three months.
 
Tino Livramento will be the shoe in to take Trippier’s right fullback berth while Howe will be hoping that Alexander Isak is free to lead the line upfront.
 
Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Konstantinos Tsimikas and Andrew Robertson all miss out for Liverpool, while Alexis Mac Allister is doubtful and may only make the bench at best.
 
The referee is Anthony Taylor