Ahead of the visit to St. James’ Park, Jack Johnson speaks to Andrew Musgrove from The Everything is Black & White Podcast to get a better perspective of this weekend’s opponents.
Ahead of Saturday’s 15:00 kick-off, both sides are still chasing their first Premier League win of the season. What have you made of Newcastle’s recent results, especially given the lack of a senior striker?
Newcastle should really be sitting on six points from the opening nine, but the lack of a goalscorer has really cost them. Newcastle created enough chances to beat Liverpool and Villa but lacked a man who you’d bet your last penny on to finish them. There were positives despite the low points return in the opening three games, and plenty to build on.
Alexander Isak’s record-breaking departure was not without controversy. From a fan’s perspective, how difficult was it seeing him lift Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in seventy years, to forcing a move only four months later?
It was difficult but this is football. No Newcastle fan was angry at Isak for wanting a move to Liverpool but rather the way he’s gone about it. At the end of the day, no one player is bigger than the football club, and if you don’t want to be at Newcastle United, that’s your loss.
Newcastle have generally had the better of Wolves in recent years. Which Wolves player do you see as the biggest threat to Newcastle’s chances of taking three points, and why?
I’m a big fan of Strand-Larsen – I think he’s a very good forward, and if he is fit to play and gets the service, then the battle with Dan Burn or Fabian Schar will certainly be one to watch.
Wolves had a nervy end to the window, with Jørgen Strand Larsen being heavily linked to a move to St. James’ Park. Do you think he is a player Newcastle will revisit in the coming windows, or are Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade enough firepower upfront for the foreseeable?
I consider all three names mentioned here at the same level – and it’s not world class, and that’s where I think NUFC will now aim for when it comes to their next striker purchase. That being said, do not rule out however a move for Strand-Larsen in the next 12 months or so – United tend to stick to their targets.
Eddie Howe is now the fourth longest-serving manager in the Premier League. From your perspective, how have the Newcastle fans perceived him across his three years in charge?
He’s loved. He gets the club and more importantly the fans. His enthusiasm for the club and the game is infectious. Does he get it right all of the time? No but who does? He’s turned players into stars, and a club barely existing into cup winners and a Champions League side.
What is your predicted lineup for Newcastle?
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton, Barnes, Elanga, Wissa
And finally, what is your predicted scoreline?
3-1 to Newcastle!
