The Magpies’ 1-0 win over Leeds United saw them head into the competition’s mini-break with just a one-point gap preventing them from escaping the relegation zone, and their game in hand on the 17th place Norwich City could well see them doing just that.
Eddie Howe’s side will return on February 8, when they host Everton at St James’ Park. When the two sides last met in January 2021, Newcastle picked up an important 2-0 victory at Goodison Park, with Callum Wilson scoring both goals as the side ended their five-game losing streak in Premier League.
Meanwhile, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer backed new signing Kieran Trippier to become the club’s future captain, and said: “I thought he looked absolutely stunning against Jack Harrison, whose confidence was really high after a hat-trick.
“He never kicked them. His positioning throughout the game, I think, was superb, both offensively and defensively. Everywhere he went, if he got behind him, he blocked him, one on one, it was no problem. There was simply no way past him. Quality in the future. Everything about his game was superb.
“For me, he is the future captain of Newcastle United. I have no doubt that he will be the captain of Newcastle.
Take a look at today’s biggest stories from the Premier League, as speculation over the January transfer window amid the winter break continues:
Reports from Italy have linked Liverpool and Inter with a move by Juventus striker Paulo Dybala. The Argentinian international would be followed “with attention” by the Reds, whose future in Turin remains uncertain. (TuttoMercato)
Photo: ISABELLE BONOTTO
Burnley have reportedly agreed a £7m deal for Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Mislav Orsic as they seek to boost their chances in the relegation battle. Juventus’ Aaron Ramsey is also said to be high on their wishlist. (Guardian)
Photo: Jurij Kodrun
Former footballer Paul Robinson has praised Aston Villa’s performance in the January transfer window, calling their relationship “incredible”, given they were in the Championship a few seasons ago. Having landed Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, they are now chasing Juventus’ Rodrigo Betancur. (The Football Insider)
Photo: Tullio M. Apulia
Watford have been tipped to swoop in for their former star Ashley Young, who would be surplus to Aston Villa’s requirements. Norwich City are also said to be interested in the versatile veteran, who has racked up 39 caps for England during his senior international career. (Team Chat)
Photo: Ash Donelon
