Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is determined for his side to show their best ahead of an “intriguing battle” against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night.
The Magpies aim to take a step closer towards a first top four finish since the 2002/03 campaign when hosting the Seagulls at St. James’ Park but will likely face a stern test in Roberto De Zerbi’s side, who claimed an impressive 3-0 away victory against title challengers Arsenal last weekend to move into sixth place of the English top-flight.
Newcastle maintained third spot in the table with a 2-2 draw away at Leeds United on Saturday and, with the Premier League season nearing its conclusion, can secure Champions League qualification with two victories from their final three matches.
Here are the some of the main talking points from Howe’s pre-match media briefing at the Magpies’ Benton-based training ground on Wednesday morning:
On his side’s injury concerns, including Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy…
“I think we’re quite clear on the injury but it’s just how long it takes to heal. He made good progress yesterday so let’s see how he feels today but he won’t be involved for this game.
“Jacob is probably the one doubt we’ll have for the game.”
On facing Brighton, who lie eight points adrift of the Magpies as they target European qualification for the first time in their club’s history…
“It’s a huge game. It’s one we’re looking forward to. I think it’s going to be a really good game between two excellent teams. I’ve got a lot of respect for Brighton and what they’ve done this season, how they play and, watching them against Arsenal in their last match, I was hugely impressed.
“They play the same shape with a couple of rotations but they’re very good at what they do. They try and play through you centrally with really good bodies in the middle of the pitch and very good technically. Roberto has done an incredible job and I’m full of praise for how he’s set the team up and the style of football he wants to play.
“I think it’s going to be a really tough assignment for us but one, at home, that we’re not fearful of and hopefully we’ll take a big step forward.”
On the final three Premier League fixtures…
“We’re not looking too far ahead. As I’ve said all season, it’s small steps and it’s the next game, trying to get three points against a really tough opponent.
“That’s all we can do at this moment in time. We can’t look beyond, at other teams’ fixtures and external factors. We have to look very much internally and bring our A game because this is going to be a really tactical game, an intriguing battle and hopefully we can show our best.
“I’m well aware of the importance of every game now. We’ve got three left, there’s huge competition for the top four and, deep down, I always thought there would be because the quality of the teams we’re playing and competing against and also the size of the achievement. With that, it’s never going to be easy.
“We’re prepared for that as staff and I think the players are. This is going to be the hardest bit and we’re going to need everybody to pull together to try and achieve it.”
On the reverse fixture in August, a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium…
“It was a baking hot day and really tough conditions. We were indebted to Nick (Pope) who made some good saves. I remember (Kaoru) Mitoma coming on and doing really well at that stage of the game when it was quite open.
“We weren’t at our best that day and it was probably one of our toughest games (of the season) and I think that will be equally the same in this game. We’ll be ready for it.”
On starting the game, the first of two successive matches at St. James’ Park, strongly after trailing after six minutes against Leeds United in a 2-2 draw on Saturday…
“I actually thought we started the game (against Leeds) really well until we conceded, which sounds bizarre because we conceded after six minutes but we were on the front foot, in their half, and it was the first time they entered our box.
“I think starting the game, especially at home, is absolutely crucial and we try to involve the crowd and try to show them we are in the game to perform and how committed we are to success for the club. I think it’s vital.”
Reflecting on the current Premier League campaign as United aim to equal their highest points tally since 2002/03, the last time Newcastle gained Champions League qualification, with a win on Thursday night…
“At the start of the season, when you take yourself back, I think I sat in this room and I said it was about making sure we weren’t fighting relegation. It was making sure we evolved and improved the team enough to be stable in the Premier League and then looking to grow the team the following seasons.
“We’ve certainly surpassed that and we’re in a position where we have three games (left). To take that position at the start of the season where it’s in our control means everything at this moment in time.
“The hard bit is to get over the line and win the games but that’s what we’ll try to do.”
On Miguel Almirón, who has started twice in the Magpies’ last six Premier League matches since recovering from a thigh injury…
“It’s great to have him back. He’s been a huge player for us this year and, in front of goal, he’s been very good.
“As I always say with Miggy, he’s an incredible athlete for us off the ball as well so I was delighted to get him back in the team.”
