Howe Wants More from Newcastle Against Wolves
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed his desire to see a more dominant performance from his side when they face Wolves at St. James' Park on Saturday.
A Familiar Foe and a Crucial Clash
The Magpies are looking to build on their impressive 5-1 thrashing of West Ham in their last outing, and a win against Wolves would solidify their position in the top half of the table. However, Howe acknowledges the challenge posed by their opponents:
"Wolves are a tough team to play against. They are very well organized and they have some very good players. We need to be at our best to get a result against them," Howe stated in his pre-match press conference.
Looking for a Complete Performance
While Newcastle's recent win against West Ham showcased their attacking prowess, Howe insists that his team needs to improve their overall performance:
"We were very good in the final third against West Ham, but we need to be more consistent in other areas of the pitch. We need to be better defensively and we need to be more patient in possession."
Focus on Wolves' Strengths
Howe has been studying Wolves closely and knows the threats they pose:
"They are a very physical team and they are good at set pieces. We need to be aware of these threats and we need to be prepared to defend well."
Motivation and Belief
Despite the challenging nature of the fixture, Howe is confident in his team's abilities and expects them to approach the game with a positive mindset:
"We are a good team and we have a lot of belief in ourselves. We are going into this game with the aim of getting three points."
Key Players to Watch
- Callum Wilson: The Newcastle striker has been in fantastic form and will be looking to continue his goal-scoring spree against Wolves.
- Bruno Guimaraes: The Brazilian midfielder is a key component of Newcastle's midfield and his creative play could be crucial against Wolves' disciplined defense.
- Matheus Cunha: The Wolves forward has impressed since his arrival in January and will be a threat to Newcastle's backline.
The Verdict
While Wolves are a formidable opponent, Newcastle have the quality and the belief to secure a victory at St. James' Park. However, Howe's emphasis on a complete performance suggests that the Magpies will need to be at their best to overcome Bruno Lage's side. This promises to be a fascinating encounter with plenty at stake for both teams.