Newcastle target rare Stamford Bridge win, injuries bite
Les Ferdinand reflects that leaving Newcastle for Spurs in 1997 was a mistake, citing unprofessional conditions and injuries as his goal return declined compared to his prolific Toon spell.
Barça’s Pau Cubarsi says they will ‘give it our all’ to advance past Newcastle after facing Sevilla, insisting the team are ready for the UCL second leg.
Newcastle visit Chelsea seeking a first Stamford Bridge win since 2012. Bruno Guimarães, Schär, Krafth and Miley are out, Gordon set to start. Howe’s side look to exploit Chelsea’s open shape.
Newcastle prepare a ‘serious bid’ for Inter prospect Pio Esposito, targeting a top striker after Woltemade and Wissa struggles. Arsenal have not moved. Esposito has 4 goals and 3 assists in 26 Serie A games.
Howe says Yoane Wissa is ‘fitter than at any stage’ but must perform to earn starts. The £55m striker has 3 goals in 21 games and is back available amid competition from Gordon and Osula.
Agent Giuseppe Riso says interest in Sandro Tonali from Arsenal and Manchester City is ‘very likely’ after the World Cup. Newcastle are reluctant to sell, with the midfielder tied to a deal until 2029.
Chelsea vs Newcastle is live on Sky Sports Premier League, 17:30 GMT kick-off, 17:00 coverage. Sky Go streams the match, with a live blog providing updates and analysis.
Howe urges total focus at Chelsea, calling it one of Newcastle’s toughest away games. He praises resilience after Barcelona and wants the team to turn strong spells into wins after a 2-2 in December.
Howe hails Joelinton as ‘a huge player’ and stresses keeping him fit. He clarifies Gordon was ill before Barcelona but ‘prepared to play’, and says the winger is in his best moment this season.
Howe calls Newcastle’s 1-1 with Barcelona ‘outstanding’, lamenting a late penalty after Barnes’ opener. He says the spot-kick was soft, demands more in Catalonia, and backs the squad’s character.
Bruno Guimarães’ hamstring recovery is ahead of schedule per Craig Hope. He will miss Chelsea and Barcelona, with a potential return targeted for early April if Newcastle progress.
