Eddie Howe must resolve first Newcastle 'blip' ahead…

Eddie Howe must resolve first Newcastle 'blip' ahead of make or break period in memorable season

Newcastle United are suffering a bit of a 'blip'. Can you even call it that when their last league defeat came back in August? Five draws in six league outings has brought about sudden doubts ahead of the most important period of the Magpies' season so far.

Eddie Howe, who rocked up on Tyneside in November 2021 with a reputation to somewhat rebuild, is 15 months into his Newcastle tenure and since shaking off those early cobwebs is yet to suffer a period of uncertainty, poor form, or any real pressure.

But these next few weeks will test the mettle of both Howe and this new-look Newcastle United. It could well make or break this memorable campaign.

Newcastle welcome Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to Tyneside this Saturday with added pressure now heaped their shoulders ahead of the evening kick-off. The Reds, who have been below-par for most of this campaign, have consistently been deemed unlikely to qualify for the Champions League this season.

However, a confident 2-0 win over Everton on Monday has some rethinking those predictions. Another three points against Newcastle this week would see the Merseyside outfit move just six points away from a qualification place for Europe's premier competition and would swing the momentum pendulum firmly in their direction.

While Liverpool look like they could be back in business, Newcastle are beginning to stutter. Draws with Leeds, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Bournemouth since New Year's Eve have raised concerns over the ability of this threadbare squad to last the distance this season.

Howe has been reluctant to change a winning side of late and also saw his first-team squad depleted in January. The last thing the Toon boss needed on Saturday was a trio of injuries to key men.

Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron look to have escaped with minor issues following the Bournemouth draw. However, there is concern for Joe Willock and a hamstring problem that could potentially keep him out of the Carabao Cup final this month.

Newcastle will need to be at their best on that day too, as they meet the Premier League's in-form side Manchester United. The Red Devils, who continue to churn out wins under the impressive Erik ten Hag, currently have the advantage heading into the Wembley showpiece.

Newcastle have already shown they can match the Manchester outfit when holding their own in a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford earlier this term. Though this time around they face a different Red Devils side completely, free of Cristiano Ronaldo-based distractions and thriving thanks to superstars such as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

Howe has not put a foot wrong during his reign thus far but this is a huge test and a monumental period in the context of the season. If Newcastle can't get back to winning ways it risks them suffering the knock on effects in March and at the business end of the season.

Eddie Howe must resolve first Newcastle 'blip' ahead of make or break period in memorable season

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