A return to the top table? Newcastle United may have narrowly missed out on silverware in the Carabao Cup, but Eddie Howe can still exceed pre-season predictions enough to receive the LMA Manager of the Year award if they secure Champions League football.
That’s the opinion of bookmakers.tv, who have crunched the numbers to compare each Premier League team’s actual performance with how betting sites expected them to perform at the start of the season. All 20 sides were given a points handicap, with Manchester City and Liverpool predictably starting on just zero and four points respectively, while Bournemouth and Fulham were both handed a head start in excess of 50 points. (more…)
Joelinton – Only 1 goal in 25 Premier League games Newcastle United have managed to defy trends this season to keep themselves away from trouble at the bottom of the Premier League. Statistically the Magpies have endured an unremarkable campaign, scoring only 24 goals in their 25 matches. Crystal Palace (23) are the only side in the top flight to have found the net on fewer occasions at the time of writing, which could be a cause for concern for Steve Bruce as his team approach the final stretch of the 2019/20 season.
With or without scoring, just getting shots on target has also been the problem; once again, the Magpies are in the bottom three there as well with only 82, only Burnley (80) and Crystal Palace (79) have fewer. (more…)
Steve Bruce: Not a big fan of tactics. Newcastle United currently sit 19th in the Premier League and with Manchester United and Chelsea eagerly waiting around the corner, it seems unlikely Steve Bruce’s men will be rising up the table any time soon. There is an argument that it is too early to worry, as Newcastle were in fact sitting on fewer points this time last season. However, when comparing the same fixtures, Newcastle accumulated 9 points last season, while only picking up 5 this season. This begs the question; where are Newcastle going wrong? (more…)
Dwight Gayle: Two goals against Leeds last time Newcastle are hurtling back towards the Premiership after opening up a commanding lead at the top of the Championship and they could seal promotion in their upcoming home game against Leeds Utd. Gary Monk’s men have enjoyed a strong season and will make life difficult for Newcastle, but the Magpies will be confident of victory.
These sides met at Elland Road in November and Dwight Gayle put Leeds to the sword with a superbly taken brace. Leeds battled bravely but Newcastle were superior in all departments, and the gulf has widened between the two sides since. Leeds are fifth in the table, but 12 points behind leaders Newcastle, who have been brimming with confidence all season. (more…)