Eddie Howe has spoken ahead of Newcastle United’s takeover against Leeds United.
The next NUFC Premier League match.
Kick-off at 8.15pm at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.
Leeds United are currently sixteenth in the table with 22 points, seven places and seven points less than Newcastle United.
A Newcastle United win and other results going our way could even see Eddie Howe’s side into the top five.
Newcastle will be looking to make it three Premier League wins in a row while continuing their stunning home form at St James’ Park, having won nine and drawn the remaining two of their most recent 11 matches on Tyneside in all competitions.
Eddie Howe spoke at his pre-match press conference at Newcastle United ahead of the clash against Leeds United:
“Leeds have returned to the Premier League and have done very well. I think in the first game we played against them we saw very early in the season how strong they could be this year. I thought they were really good that day and it’s a tough game for us. Daniel Farke has done a very good job.”
Leeds finished top of the Championship last season, scoring 95 goals, at least 24 more than any other team in the second tier.
So far this season, Leeds have scored 26 goals in 20 PL games, only Sunderland (21) and Everton (22) have scored fewer goals, among the teams ranked higher than Farke’s side.
Eddy Howe: “They got promoted last year on the back of some really comprehensive and entertaining football and now to the Premier League where they have done well defensively and looked solid. That’s a huge compliment for any team coming up because it’s so difficult to defend and keep a clean sheet. They’ve also had the ability to score goals and look quite creative, so a good unbeaten run for them because they’re good away from home.”
Eddie Howe on his quest to build momentum after back-to-back Premier League wins: “A good feeling after the match against Crystal Palace [which followed the win at Burnley]. It was a big win for us, tough opposition and an exciting match. I’m glad I came out on the right side and I think, with another home game to come, it’s a great thing for us. We love these evening games.”
Eddie Howe on Lewis Miley, who started Newcastle’s last five games at right-back: “I’m so impressed with him. I’ve said this countless times in recent weeks. To play a position he hasn’t played before in the way he does is a real credit to his football knowledge and his ability to take in new information and absorb it very quickly. Being able to do that under pressure has been a huge boost for the team, at a time when we didn’t have another player for that position. We’ll take it game by game. Lewis has done really well, especially on the ball.” another day in some very tight areas, getting out of some tough spots with his range and good touch.
Eddie Howe on Fabian Schar, who made 250 club appearances for Newcastle United when he started against Crystal Palace: “It’s a bit of an effort from Fabian. He continues to impress. I think he’s an incredible character. When you work with him every day he’s cool, calm and collected, but you can see on the pitch from his body language and attitude that he’s someone who cares so much about the football club and what he does. He’s been such an important player for us over the last few seasons. His technical skills are quite evident when you watch him play. He’s got that big heart that every defender needs and he puts his body on the line for us all the time. I think he has been excellent [by Rafa Benitez] for the football club and great to see him still playing so well.”
Eddie Howe on the suitability/availability of Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga: “Jacob has had a scan but no serious injury, so I think it was probably fatigue. His physical performance in the match was excellent. I think he will be available. It will be a late decision, but we keep our fingers crossed. I don’t think Anthony is quite there yet. It’s just taking a little longer in the closing stages than we hoped. It won’t be long.”
#Eddie #Howe #delivers #important #messages #ahead #Newcastle #United #Leeds #United