Eddie Howe has sent multiple key messages ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Newcastle United manager has once again addressed the press ahead of his side’s next game, as they continue their relentless run of fixtures.
It is Newcastle vs Spurs on Tuesday night, as the Magpies aim to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory.
Eddie Howe had a lot to say ahead of that game, and here are Geordie Boot Boys’ four main takeaways.
Hello! It’s time to talk all things Newcastle United vs Tottenham. What are some of your early predictions?
Spurs are in crisis. We’re at home. What could go wrong?! I’m going for a 2-0 home win with Nick Woltemade to score yet again…
Newcastle United hatch Yoane Wissa plan
Before the win over Everton, Howe confirmed that Yoane Wissa was back in training.
Now the 29-year-old has taken another giant stride towards making his Toon debut, with Howe confirming that Wissa took part in a behind closed doors game on Saturday.
“Yoane participated in an 11v11 training game while we were at Everton,” he said, as reported by the club’s official YouTube channel.
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“He’ll have another one at some stage this week and we’ll see how close he is.”
There is clearly a plan in place to ensure that Wissa is fit and available as soon as possible, and hopefully it allows him to hit the ground running in black and white.
No timescale on Sven Botman’s return from injury
It remains unclear when Sven Botman will be available again following a back injury.
On Botman’s injury, Howe said: “With Sven, he’s going to see a specialist in the next couple of days to get a definitive opinion on whether he needs an injection or whether he’s able to rest for a few days and resume training.”
That is a blow for Botman, who had been enjoying an excellent season. Fortunately for Howe, he has enough options to cope during the Dutchman’s absence.
Fabian Schar partnered Malick Thiaw versus Man City, while that honour went to Dan Burn against Everton.
Expect more rotation against Tottenham Hotspur
Following the Champions League defeat to Marseille, Howe made six changes to his starting lineup.
They clearly worked, with the likes of Lewis Miley, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga coming into the side and impressing.
Lewis Miley should start again vs Spurs, agree or disagree?
Expect to see more changes on Tuesday night, with Howe admitting during his pre-match press conference that he will continue to lean on his squad depth.
“We’ve said all along, especially where we are now with the schedule that we’ve got, it’s very much going to be a squad effort that gets us through this season,” he said.
“We’ve tried to manage the squad effectively in the last few games.”
Eddie Howe won’t get too high or too low after Newcastle United win
You can never accuse Howe of being too emotional. He never goes in too hard on his players after a defeat, nor does he get carried away after a victory.
That remained the case on Monday morning, with Howe giving a very mature response when asked if Newcastle United are ‘back’ after consecutive Premier League triumphs.
“I think the last two Premier League performances in particular have been us,” he said.
“I’m reluctant to say we’re back. We’ll prove whether or not we’re back. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”