NEWCASTLE: Having been the Premier League’s plucky underdogs for much of the top flight campaign this season, it finally feels like Newcastle really have something to lose.
Victory over fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday would see fourth-place United leap six points clear of their closest rivals for a Champions League spot, as the battle for a top-four finish heats up. A win for Spurs at St. James’ Park, on the other hand, would put them right back in the mix, trailing Newcastle only on goal difference, though they have played a game more.
It does feel like a win over the managerless London outfit would give the Magpies one foot in the Champions League, with just seven games left to play this season.
It shows how much things have changed on Tyneside, not least the pressure on the players. Gone are the days of low expectations; it now feels, with their destiny in their own hands, European football is there for the taking — or to throw away.
“It’s a huge game for us,” said head coach Eddie Howe. “There’s no denying that at this stage of the season, with the games running out. We’re playing one of our competitors in the league so it’s a big moment in our season. We’re pleased to be at home and hopefully we can feel the force of the crowd.
“This week we certainly need everyone united in the game, which I’m sure we will be, and hopefully we can respond to last week’s disappointment (a 3-0 defeat by sixth-place Aston Villa).
“Of course, this season we’ve had a cup final, which was a huge game for us, but in terms of league games, yeah, this will be right up there because, as I said, we are running out of games and we don’t have long left to get the points we need.”
Howe backed his players to prove they can handle the pressure that comes with being part of a team that is fighting it out with the traditional big boys at the very top level of English football.
“All season I’ve seen a group that has been very strong, mentally, that has been tested in all sorts of different ways,” said Howe.
“We’ve had loads of different experiences — the cup run, Premier League form, big league games —and they have responded well. I don’t see any signs that the squad is not coping with that (pressure to qualify for European competition). We have a lot of experience in the squad driving the team at key moments. I think we are equipped. I think we have what we need, we just need to show that on the pitch.
“I think it is (the biggest game of the season). It’s a cliche, but it’s our next game so it is the most important. What’s ahead of us is important, not what’s behind. I think we have risen to these types of games this season. Hopefully we can find another gear again.”
On the selection front, Howe will again have to do without the services of injured Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin, who was a target of firm interest from Spurs during two of the last three transfer windows.
“No, he’s not back in the country yet,” Howe said. “We will see him early next week. But Maxi’s fine. There hasn’t been a setback; it’s just taken maybe a little bit longer than initially thought but no major setback. With hamstring injuries, we have to be careful.”
Midfielder Sean Longstaff, who was only on the bench last weekend due to an illness, is expected to return to his central slot in the team.
“Yeah, he’s over his illness. He’s trained well this week,” said Howe. “I always maintained he is a huge part of our midfield. Both in and out of possession, he’s a very intelligent footballer so I think a lot of his off-the-ball work goes unnoticed just because he goes about it in an unfussy way.
“And on the ball, he’s got a really good way of keeping the ball, which is an invaluable quality. He’s got an eye for a really progressive pass as well. He helps us break through opponent team structures. I really like Sean.”
