Its back on the road time for the Newcastle United faithful as they head to the Emirates to see their team face an Arsenal still smarting from what they perceived as the injustice of their defeat at St James’ Park back in November.
 
While we don’t tend to dwell on what went before, this is obviously not the case in North London and a quick glance at the club’s official website match preview tells its own sour faced story of how big Arsenal’s chip is when it comes to Newcastle United
If you fancy a laugh, just look here. 
https://www.arsenal.com/news/preview-arsenal-v-newcastle-united-0
 
Victory would see Newcastle complete five successive away wins in all competitions; with three coming in the league and two in the FA cup. A win would also see them do the double over Arsenal for the first time since the 1994/95 season.
 
However, the Emirates is not a happy hunting ground for the magpies despite last season’s 0:0 draw as it simply broke a run of 11 successive defeats.
 
The good news coming out of NE1 however is that Alexander Isak and Joe Willock are back in the first team squad and are both in with a shout of selection, while Fabien Schar has recovered from a wrist injury sustained last weekend and is expected to start.
 
Arsenal meanwhile have Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu all doubtful through a variety of injuries.
 
All Geordie eyes will be on the Newcastle teamsheet when it is released at 7pm to see if Dan Burn retains his place ahead of Tino Livramento or if Howe makes a tactical change to counter the threat of the likes of Bukayo Saka 
 
Speaking to the press ahead of the game Howe said “I'd never go into a game taking a point, I'm just not built that way. We want to win; we will do everything in our power to go there and try to win.
"And we recognise that this is a big test for us. With Arsenal's run of scoring form in the last four games the test for us is to defend better than we have in the last four games while still bringing a threat to the game and being creative. We have been really good in that respect for the last four games. We'll need to bring that as well."
 
The referee for tonight’s game is Paul Tierney. His flag waving Assistants are Neil Davies and Nick Hopton. Fourth official is Manchester’s: Anthony Taylor. 
The VAR hut is manned by Peter Bankes, assisted by Lee Betts. Let’s hope they’ve brought their specs and slide rule.

Newcastle Utd head into Saturday’s fixture rocked by the news that the injury sustained by their striker Callum Wilson in the final minutes of last weekends game against Nottingham Forest will keep him out of action for between 9 and 12 weeks.
 
Wilson tore a pectoral muscle in a tussle with Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhaté and has undergo surgery to repair the damage, and with Alexander Isak still struggling with a groin problem, it is likely that Howe is once more unable to call upon either of his recognised strikers.
 
Addressing his misfortune at being unable to call upon Wilson or Isak, Howe had this to say at his pre match press conference at Darsley Park on Friday morning. “It's hurt us. Two outstanding players who make each other better. Not having the ability to use them together has been a real negative. We have to deal with the news and adapt.”
 
And While Wilson goes under the knife, there was better news regarding Isak as Howe stated that he’s “Probably not [available] for the weekend. He's very, very, very close and looking really good. I'm really pleased with the progress he's made. Mentally he looks good so let's wait and see”.
 
Wilson has managed only 16 appearances this season with eight of those appearances coming off the bench, scoring seven goals in a season blighted first by a hamstring injury followed by a calf problem that kept him out of action throughout January, where he missed five games, including the FA cup ties against Sunderland and Fulham. 
Wilson also missed both champions league ties against PSG. He was also missing for the EFL 3rd Round tie against Manchester City back in September through injury. 
 
His fellow strike partner meanwhile has managed only 17 league games this season, returning 10 goals from 14 starts as he too has struggled with injury. In Isak’s case the problem is a recurring groin injury first encountered in the home tie against Crystal Palace back in October.
 
With Wilson unavailable long term, Newcastle will need to manage the fitness of Isak very carefully if they are going to get the best out of the striker as the season progresses. Let’s just hope coach, player and medical team are all on the same page!
 
Definitely unavailable for selection this weekend are Nick Pope and Elliott Anderson and Matt Targett, while Joe Willock looks close to being discharged from the treatment room and being available for selection. 
 
On Willock, Howe said “He's knocking on the door, very close, looking good and feeling much better. Another huge player that we're desperate to get back. He's close.”
 
Targett meanwhile is now back in light training and could be available for selection by the time Newcastle meet Blackburn Rovers in their FA Cup Fifth Round tie at the end of the month.
There is no word on the progress of long term absentee Joelinton. Jacob Murphy hasn’t trained all week therefore must be marked down at doubtful; although the same was said this time last week about Anthony Gordon and he made the starting lineup against Forest.
 
Eddie Howe will be hoping its fourth time lucky against his old club having faced Bournemouth three times in the Premier League since leaving them, and is winless in all three encounters with two draws and one defeat on his CV.
 
The danger man facing the Magpies is Dominic Solanke who has 13 Premier League goals for Bournemouth this season. However, Solanke has failed to find the net in four of his last five outings and his teams 3-1 loss at Fulham last time out made it five Premier League games without a win for the Cherries: a winless run stretching back to the start of the new year.
 
The other big talking point on Tyneside revolves around Sporting Director Dan Ashworth and whether he will depart the club for a similar role at Manchester United. And judging by Eddie Howe’s response when asked, it would appear that any deal seems to be being negotiated in the press rather than the boardroom.
Asked if there had been contact between the two clubs concerning Ashworth moving to Old Trafford, Howe said, "Nothing as far as I'm aware. Obviously, it's been in the news a lot and usually with these things that means something is going to happen. But as we speak now, we've had no contact. It's an unusual situation. I'm used to speculation around players, but this is different”.
 
And indeed, it is. As Sporting Director Ashworth has been operating at Board level where strategic decisions are developed, influenced, and made. Transfer policy, club finances, the impact of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, player contracts and sponsorship deals; both current and planned.
 
Allowing Ashworth to simply move to a competitor is not a simple case of him emptying his desk and walking out of the door and while officially Manchester Utd have yet to approach Newcastle will play hardball when it comes to any negotiation leading to Ashworth’s departure "Of course," Howe told reporters. "It goes without saying that we're very protective of what's ours, whether that's players or staff. If people do eventually move on to other clubs, then there's a process to go through before; that is reality."
 
The match Referee for this 3pm kick off is Michael Salisbury, with Richard West and Akil Howson in the supporting roles as his two flag waving assistants. The Fourth official patrolling the technical area is Oli Langford, while the VAR hut will be manned by Rob Jones; assisted by Simon Bennett.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle Utd lived up to their recent billing as the new Entertainers as they came away from the City Ground Nottingham with three points on a rain-soaked evening that produced five goals. 
In what was a back and forth encounter Howe’s team lead twice in a hectic first forty fiver minutes only to be pegged back by a resolute and fast paced Nottingham Forest side hell bent on doing the double over the magpies and in so doing stopping the blip that had seen them pick up only one league point out since the turn of the year; a far cry from the first two games under Nuno Espirito’s management when they gained back to back win’s against Newcastle Utd and Manchester Utd over the Christmas period.
 
Twice Newcastle went ahead with goals from Bruno Guimarães and Fabien Schar, only to be pegged back by strikes from Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi; the latter goal coming on the stroke of halftime.
 
Newcastle’s opener in the 10th minute came from a clever corner routine that saw Almiron play short to Kieran Tripper who whipped in a fine ball towards the far post where an unmarked Guimaraes had timed his run to perfection. The Brazilian, with both feet off the ground placed his shot beautifully with the outside of his right foot past a despairing Mat Sels; a finish that brought back memories of a similar though slightly more acrobatic finish by Paolo Di Canio all those years ago. A goal described at the time as a wonder goal!
 
Forest were level on 26 minutes when Morgan Gibbs White, seeing the entire Newcastle midfield stranded up field played a sublimely weighted pass that split the Newcastle defence into the path of the on running Anthony Elanga, whose paced saw him outrun both Dan Burn and Sven Botman before sliding his shot past the onrushing Martin Dubravka.
 
On 43 minutes Newcastle were ahead again from a free kick which was floated into the Forest box where it was met by Sven Botman. The Dutchman duly headed the ball into the path of Fabien Schar who fired past Sels to restore the lead.
 
It looked at this point that Newcastle would go into half time with a 2:1 lead but with 6 minutes of added time being played Callum Hudson Adoi, picked the ball up on the left edge of the penalty area and with nobody in a blue shirt closing him down he watched as his speculative effort on goal took a deflection off Lewis Miley to wrongfoot Dubravka and nestle into his net.
 
So; 2:2 at half time and while the travelling black and whites went for a well-earned drink to replenish their parched throats; those at home were left to question the performance not of their team but of the shockingly biased and hyper critical co-commentary Sky Pundit Andy Hinchcliffe. A man hell bent on pinning any negative word he could find on the magpies’ chests.
 
And the tv viewing public were not saved from such talk from Sky’s half time punditry aas the critical opinion of Issy Christensen and Jamie Redknapp saw both struggle to have a good word to say about Newcastle’s performance so far. Christensen in particular described Bruno’s exquisite goal as a “safe finish, just guiding the ball back across the goal” while Redknapp nodded like a little dog sitting on the dash of his father’s car as daddy conducted an impromptu piece to camera from the driver’s seat.
 
Apparently, these so-called experts get well paid too!
 
The second half started much like the latter part of the first, with Forest eager to gain the upper hand in their efforts to gain three points but they were not going to get any assistance from referee Anthony Taylor who waved away their demands for a penalty in the 60th minute after Taiwo Awoniyi ran into Dubravka's outstretched arm and claimed in doing so that the keeper had caused him to tumble down and miss out on a goalscoring opportunity. Both Taylor and his colleagues in the VAR booth disagreed. 
 
With the game starting to stretch Eddie Howe made a tactical switch that saw Guimarães move inside from the previous left midfield berth that he had previously occupied as Harvey Barnes replaced Almiron and that tweak saw the Brazilian begin to exert even more of his presence on the game in a forward central midfield role that he had in the first half down the left.
 
And six minutes later the move paid off when the Brazilian Picked off a poor pass from Elanga towards the static Gibbs White. before steadying himself, looking up and picking his spot past the forest keeper from the edge of the box.
 
Howe made a further tactical change in the 81st minute replacing Lewis Miley with Tino Livramento bringing in some fresh legs and the opportunity tighten up the back line should Forest come searching for their third equalizer of the game.
 
But that search wasn’t forthcoming, and Newcastle saw out the remaining minutes with ease; even bringing on Emil Krafth for Anthony Gordon in time added on.
 
Bruno was rightly named man of the match for what was a wonderful performance. Two goals; a grin as wide as the Tyne and fears of any release clause forgotten in the joy of watching him simply exude his wonderful presence in a Newcastle shirt.
 
The Victory lifted Newcastle up to seventh in the table 11 points off fourth placed Spurs and speaking after the game Bruno told Sky Sports "We have to get Europe again, try for Champions League, I know it's difficult but definitely for Europa League."
 
And Captain Kieran Tripper, who had a fine game reiterated Bruno’s opinion saying Newcastle have a "never say never" attitude towards qualifying for Europe's premier competition.
 

Newcastle Utd travel to the East midlands on Saturday to face Nottingham Forest in the televised 5:30pm game courtesy of Sky Sports.
 
And while Howe’s team are coming into the game after a relatively successful run of results the situation is slightly different for Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo whose side has won only two of their past 12 league matches, earning one point out of a possible nine in 2024.
 
However, they are looking to do the double over the Magpies having come away from their boxing Day visit to St James’ Park with all three points in a 3:1 win. Victory would see them achieve this feat for the first time since their 1977-78 title-winning season under the great Brian Clough. 
 
But if history is an obstacle, then Forest will be aware that Newcastle are unbeaten in seven top-flight visits to the City Ground since a 2-1 defeat there in May 1987.
 
Also at stake is the fact that Newcastle Utd are vying to win four consecutive away matches in all competitions for the first time since November 2016 when they were in the Championship. They last managed it as a top-flight club in November 2003.
 
The big blight on Newcastle’s season to date has been injuries and that is no different this weekend, with Anthony Gordon ruled out with an ankle injury and Alexander Isak still struggling and unavailable due to a groin problem. 
 
Joe Willock, Elliott Anderson, Matt Targett, Jamaal Lascelles remain unavailable along with Nick Pope, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali. 
 
On a positive note, Callum Wilson suffered no adverse reaction from being thrust into the team following Gordon’s withdrawal at half time last weekend, has train all week and looks likely to be in the starting lineup when Howe names his team at 4:30pm on Saturday afternoon.
 
And another positive is that Harvey Barnes is also available for selection having been out since August with a foot injury.  Speaking of Barnes, who scored after coming on last weekend against Luton Town, Howe said “He's worked incredibly hard. He's had a lot of frustration because he was working hard but was feeling sensations in his foot. What a finish that was. He only had a small part of the goal to aim for and he finished it brilliantly. That moment summed up what we've missed. We haven't had those options”.
 
Forest meanwhile will be without former magpie Chris Wood through injury and club captain Joe Worrall who has joined Besiktas on loan until the end of the season. International commitments rule out Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly (both Ivory Coast) and Ola Aina (Nigeria) as their relative countries face each other in the AFCON final on Sunday.
 
The big football talking point on tyneside this week has been whether Howe needs to make a tactical change and restore the speedier and more mobile Tino Livramento in place of Dan Burn in the left back berth. Opinions vary and Howe had this to say when questioned on the matter of Dan Burn’s position within the team by the media at his pre match press conference on Friday morning.
 
I understand it happens. Everyone has an opinion. Dan has been such a big player for us. He's pivotal to how we play in lots of different ways.
That's why he was such a big miss when we lost him to injury. He's also a huge leader in the group. A very big presence. He's been an incredible signing for me and much better than I could have hoped. He's still helping galvanise the group. I can't speak highly enough of him”.
 
Howe also praised Livramento saying: “He's an outstanding player. That's why I fought so hard to sign him. His best years are ahead of him. I'm the biggest fan of him. His primary position is RB and he's fighting with Kieran. But he will no doubt get his time and hopefully play a lot of games for this club.
I love him at left-back as well. I think he's done extremely well there. He's been incredible in that position”.
 
Match Referee is Anthony Taylor. His Assistants are Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn. Fourth official is Darren Bond. VAR is overseen this weekend by Tony Harrington and his assistant Darren Cann.
 
Enjoy the game
 

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.

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!