Here are the latest Newcastle United headlines for Saturday, April 16.
Pundits back Newcastle to beat Leicester
Leicester City beat Newcastle United 4-0 earlier this season, but Newcastle's season had been resurrected since then, and the pundits' predictions for the reverse fixture reflect that.
The Foxes arrive at St James' Park tomorrow still recovering from their win in Europe on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s men are still chasing mathematical safety and perhaps more.
Mark Lawrenson went for a 2-1 win to Newcastle, writing in his BBC column: “I was getting a bit worried about Newcastle last week because their form had slumped, but they improved against Wolves and got the win as well.
“Before then, the Magpies had lost three in a row but all three of those defeats were away from home and I'd expect them to be better at St James' Park. I'm backing them here too, although Leicester are so up and down it makes predicting their results very difficult.”
Former Newcastle striker Michael Owen thought it would be a 1-0 win to the Magpies, writing for BetVictor: “It was by no means a classic, but Newcastle’s win over Wolves was a vital win. That’s put some real breathing space between them and the bottom three and they are virtually safe.
"Defensively, they’ve shown a massive improvement since January."
Paul Merson was less certain though, predicting a 2-2 draw in his SportsKeeda column: “Newcastle are still a big football club and picked up a massive win against Wolves the other day. Both teams have a shot at winning this game."
Read the full predictions here.
Fabian Schar wants more than safety
Fabian Schar says Newcastle are still chasing more points, despite their current relative safety. His words came after some pundits had suggested that the side are already thinking about the summer holidays.
Schar told ChronicleLive: "We have another two home games coming up now. I think we have been pretty strong at home this season."
He added: "We want more points on the board. We want to be safe and we know that there is still work for us to do. We can improve our points tally."
Saint-Maximin's maximum commitment
Allan Saint-Maximin has been speaking about his desire to stay at Newcastle United after being rumoured to be a possible candidate for departure when summer arrives.
The Frenchman arrived from Nice in 2019 and has wowed not just Newcastle fans, but also observers across the country. After being the star under Steve Bruce however, he has had to get used to things under new boss Eddie Howe and alongside new teammates.
Speaking on Soccer Am this morning, Saint-Maximin said: "The Newcastle fans are really important for me with the love they give. I'm so proud to be at this club and to be here.
“I want to give back to Newcastle, to the fans and to the people who really like me here. I want to stay here for a long time.”
Lewandowski a step too far for Newcastle?
Malcolm Macdonald has a bold suggestion for Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe. Writing in his Chronicle column, the former Newcastle striker suggested the Toon try to sign Robert Lewandowski.
Macdonald wrote: "If it was up to me I would make an ambitious move for Robert Lewandowski who is ready to sever his ties to Bayern Munich. The prolific Pole has decided that he would like a new challenge after his phenomenal stint in Bavaria and the project at Newcastle could suit him ideally.
"Yes, he is 33 years of age but as a short-term investment Lewandowski could be the perfect stepping stone. I would give him a two-year contract and ask him not only to bring goals to Newcastle but help develop the great young talent which will be coming through at the club."
Read why Macdonald thinks it is worth a try here.
Elliot Anderson praised by Barton after scoring again
Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton has hailed Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson whose goal secured all three points against Salford City in League Two yesterday
A 75th-minute strike was Anderson’s fifth since joining Rovers on loan in January. He also won goal of the month in March, and his success has prompted calls from some Magpies supporters to give the Whitley Bay native a run in the first team next season.
Speaking to Bristol Live, Barton said: "We knew it was going to be a tricky game and we knew it might have been one goal that decides it. When we’ve got some of the players we’ve got, we can open the door and that’s Elliot on this occasion."
Howe notes Lascelles leadership role
Eddie Howe has opened up on the leadership role played by Jamaal Lascelles since the centre-back lost his place in the first team. Lascelles has started just one of Newcastle's last nine games after Dan Burn took his place, but Howe said he is still an important part of the club.
Howe said: "Jamaal has been the same person in and out of the team. That's the biggest compliment I can give him.
"He's been a really good leader for us. A very powerful, positive presence in the dressing room so I'm delighted with him."
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