Newcastle Utd returns to action on Saturday afternoon when they face Luton Town at St James’ Park in what is a 3pm GMT kick off.
The Magpies will be hoping to extend their winning formula with a home win after successive wins on their travels against premier league opposition.
With the transfer window now closed for the remainder of the season a relieved Eddie Howe will be happy to now get on with the task of keeping that run going, collecting league points, and keeping the pressure on those teams around them.
Speaking ahead of the closing of the window closing, Howe was quoted as saying "I expect to be finished for the window,"
"I think there's now very little time left to be able to do anything, whether in or out. That's where it stands”.
"I don't think we have the ability to do anything. As far as I know at the moment, there's nothing going to happen, although there's still time left."
One player who did depart was Isaac Hayden who has joined QPR on loan while the only incoming deal has seen youngster Alfie Harrison joining the club from Man City on a deal until 2026.
Howe was absent from press match press conference duties due to feeling unwell and his place was taken in the hot seat by Jason Tindall, giving the awaiting press corp an opportunity to discuss his nickname, his role in setting up the post-match photo opportunities that accompany each victory; the importance of pre and post-match handshakes between coaches and the soon to be hot topic of chocolate for shirts. It seems the northeast press have a long way to go before Pulitzer Prizes wing their way to Tyneside!
Given the injuries that have blighted the season, with upwards of half of the squad being unavailable over the last few months it is testimony to Howe and his backroom staff that the team is still within touching distance of a European slot as well as reaching the last 16 of the FA Cup.
And Tindall was able to say that Harvey Barnes is not far from being available for selection while Joe Willock is just a few steps behind in his recovery. Elliott Anderson however remains unavailable as he continues his recuperation from a stress fracture to his back.
Tuesday’s encounter at Villa Park saw Alexander added to the injury list when he left the field on 43 minutes to be replaced by Miggy Almiron and while early indications suggested the injury is not serious, Isak was not expected to make the line up on Saturday afternoon. However, Tindall indicated that a late call will be made on the Swede just before the team sheet has to be handed in.
And the brighter news on the strikers continues with Tindall reporting that Callum Wilson getting closer to full fitness. He could make the bench
Luton Town arrive on Tyneside fresh from a resounding 4:0 trouncing of Brighton on Tuesday evening with Elijah Adebayo claiming a hat-trick in a game that saw the Hatters lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Pulling the strings for Luton is former Everton, Chelsea, and England midfielder Ross Barkley while hat-trick hero Elijah Adebayo, who was playing in League Two three years ago is certainly one to watch.
Two returning former Magpies in the Luton squad are Tim krul and Andros Townsend.
The Referee for this fixture is Tom Bramall and his Assistants are Mat Wilkes, Mark Scholes and Fourth official: Oliver Langford.
The VAR hut will be manned by Michael Salisbury. Assisted, if that is the operative word, by Akil Howson.
Enjoy The Game.
The Magpies will be hoping to extend their winning formula with a home win after successive wins on their travels against premier league opposition.
With the transfer window now closed for the remainder of the season a relieved Eddie Howe will be happy to now get on with the task of keeping that run going, collecting league points, and keeping the pressure on those teams around them.
Speaking ahead of the closing of the window closing, Howe was quoted as saying "I expect to be finished for the window,"
"I think there's now very little time left to be able to do anything, whether in or out. That's where it stands”.
"I don't think we have the ability to do anything. As far as I know at the moment, there's nothing going to happen, although there's still time left."
One player who did depart was Isaac Hayden who has joined QPR on loan while the only incoming deal has seen youngster Alfie Harrison joining the club from Man City on a deal until 2026.
Howe was absent from press match press conference duties due to feeling unwell and his place was taken in the hot seat by Jason Tindall, giving the awaiting press corp an opportunity to discuss his nickname, his role in setting up the post-match photo opportunities that accompany each victory; the importance of pre and post-match handshakes between coaches and the soon to be hot topic of chocolate for shirts. It seems the northeast press have a long way to go before Pulitzer Prizes wing their way to Tyneside!
Given the injuries that have blighted the season, with upwards of half of the squad being unavailable over the last few months it is testimony to Howe and his backroom staff that the team is still within touching distance of a European slot as well as reaching the last 16 of the FA Cup.
And Tindall was able to say that Harvey Barnes is not far from being available for selection while Joe Willock is just a few steps behind in his recovery. Elliott Anderson however remains unavailable as he continues his recuperation from a stress fracture to his back.
Tuesday’s encounter at Villa Park saw Alexander added to the injury list when he left the field on 43 minutes to be replaced by Miggy Almiron and while early indications suggested the injury is not serious, Isak was not expected to make the line up on Saturday afternoon. However, Tindall indicated that a late call will be made on the Swede just before the team sheet has to be handed in.
And the brighter news on the strikers continues with Tindall reporting that Callum Wilson getting closer to full fitness. He could make the bench
Luton Town arrive on Tyneside fresh from a resounding 4:0 trouncing of Brighton on Tuesday evening with Elijah Adebayo claiming a hat-trick in a game that saw the Hatters lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Pulling the strings for Luton is former Everton, Chelsea, and England midfielder Ross Barkley while hat-trick hero Elijah Adebayo, who was playing in League Two three years ago is certainly one to watch.
Two returning former Magpies in the Luton squad are Tim krul and Andros Townsend.
The Referee for this fixture is Tom Bramall and his Assistants are Mat Wilkes, Mark Scholes and Fourth official: Oliver Langford.
The VAR hut will be manned by Michael Salisbury. Assisted, if that is the operative word, by Akil Howson.
Enjoy The Game.
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