Newcastle United enter the weekend with a three-point cushion over Fulham for the final relegation position. Scott Parker’s side lost vs. Spurs on Thursday and will face Liverpool tomorrow at Anfield.
For the Magpies, they have a very winnable match in front of them as they travel to face West Bromwich Albion. In a match that’s close to a must-win, Newcastle United are favored to take all three points tomorrow.
Player to Watch
Newcastle United: Joelinton
Whether he starts on the wing or in the center of the attack, Joelinton will need to step up for the club without their key attacking players. After his big missed chance vs. Wolves, the Brazilian will be looking to bounce back in a big way.
This is essentially a must-win match for Newcastle United vs. West Brom.
Bold prediction, the much-maligned striker scores a brace tomorrow.
West Brom: Conor Gallagher
The 21-year-old is on loan with the Baggies from Chelsea. He scored two goals earlier this season and added two assists, both coming in February. The young midfielder leads the club in tackles and yellow cards.
NUFC Availability Update
Steve Bruce confirmed that Federico Fernandez trained all week and “might be involved”. He added that Isaac Hayden has been dealing with a knock and Emil Krafth is working his way back from a shin injury from the Wolves match.
Keys to Victory for Newcastle United
- Play with urgency
Mathematically, this obviously isn’t a true “must-win” match. But, Newcastle United have to pick up three points tomorrow vs. West Brom to help their chances of Premier League survival.
With that level of importance, they need to have their foot on the gas from the opening whistle. They can’t bunker down vs. the lesser opponent or have long lapses of intensity throughout this match. They need to take the match to the Baggies and come away with a victory.
- Pull the trigger
Newcastle United won’t have their three best attacking players. With those absences, the chances they create might not be picture-perfect. Whether it’s an attacking player, midfielder, or even a defender, the Magpies must be willing to fire some shots from distance when needed and test the keeper throughout.
- Keep a clean sheet
West Brom have the third-fewest goals scored this season and they have one goal or less in eight of their last nine EPL matches. There’s no reason that Newcastle United and Martin Dubravka can’t keep them scoreless tomorrow, especially if Fernandez returns. If they can keep a clean sheet, that will take a lot of pressure off of the depleted attacking group as they would only have to score once for the win.