A big festive period for Eddie Howepublished at 10:01 GMT
Manchester United v Newcastle (Fri, 20:00 GMT)
Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle United players and staff left St James’ Park with
a familiar “hollow” feeling at the weekend.
As much as there was immense frustration, after Chelsea defender Trevoh
Chalobah’s barge on Anthony Gordon went unpunished in the 2-2 draw, Eddie
Howe’s team ended up ruing dropping more points from a winning position.
It has been the story of their season.
No other team in the top flight have coughed up more points
when in front than Newcastle – 13 – who need to quickly find a way to see games
out.
A side who have won just once away from home in the league
this season also have to find a way to pick up more results on the road – starting
with the trip to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
The schedule has been so relentless that the six-day gap between games has given Howe a rare uninterrupted window to work with the players.
And the Newcastle head coach could use a big response against Manchester United.
Expect Howe to be asked about that at Tuesday’s news conference and to provide fresh updates on when Nick Pope, Sven Botman,
Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento could return to action.
There is also the small matter of the impending January transfer
window to discuss.
