The World Cup is in full swing, and seemingly the main concern for Newcastle United fans right now is figuring out how Bruno Guimaraes does not start for Brazil. The playmaker is one of six Magpies currently gunning for football's ultimate prize in Qatar.
Such is the relentless nature of this most unusual of seasons, it is strange to think it is only a fortnight since Newcastle signed off with a hard-fought home win over Chelsea. Joe Willock's goal ensured the Magpies will be third at Christmas, and talk of an unlikely push for Champions League football is growing harder to ignore.
The mini-break for those not involved at the World Cup will soon come to an end, with Eddie Howe's side once again flying to Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather training camp. Friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano precede the return to competitive action, when the Magpies face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on December 21.
