The Magpies head coach will spend the international break looking for solutions to current issues
16:16, 11 Nov 2025Updated 16:57, 11 Nov 2025
Newcastle United’s side could soon look very different
Love them or loathe them, the international break has bought Eddie Howe and Newcastle United some valuable thinking time at a crucial period of the season.
The defeat to Brentford has left a bitter taste in the mouth, coming on the back of that performance at West Ham, and has meant a ‘glass-half-empty’ view for many United fans.
It’s easy to why, with Newcastle languising in 14th place in the Premier League table and with seemingly little clicking into place on the pitch.
It’s far from the whole picture, of course, with the Champions League table looking considerably better and a Carabao Cup quarter-final on the horzon, but the Geordie faithful are desperately in need of some positives.
Man City come to St James’ Park next, but while that’s a daunting task, there could be better times just around the corner for Howe and Co thanks to some key returns in the coming weeks. Change won’t happen overnight, but we’re choosing to look on the positive side here due to these important factors.
First-choice full-backs return
It’s perhaps easy to understimate how much Newcastle have missed Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, probably because Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are so reliable.
But cast your mind back to United’s purple patch last winter, and much was down to the intensity the young full-backs bring to Howe’s side.
Both have suffered injuries this season, but Hall made a second-half appearance against Brentford, while Livramento has been slated for a November 22 comeback for some time now.
Having them both in the side will make a huge difference, allowing the wingers to push further forward knowing they have support behind them, with the energy to get back into defensive positions when needed.
Fired-up Gordon
Anthony Gordon will not like sitting back while his rivals for an England shirt get a free audition in the coming days. He will remain an important part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans, of course, but it won’t hurt Newcastle one bit if the winger feels he has something to prove.
Gordon has blown hot and cold this season, although it shouldn’t be forgotten that he gave his all out of position as the club looked for a solution to the Alexander Isak transfer situation.
United need him firing on all cylinders, and Harvey Barnes’ goal against Brentford won’t have done Gordon’s motivation any harm. He should return from the hip injury that meant he missed England duty very soon, and if he hits top form, he will be a huge asset.
Wissa’s debut incoming
Finally, hopefully, surely . . . Yoane Wissa will pull on a black-and-white shirt sooner rather than later, and it could be a game changer for Howe. It’s true that a player’s reputation can often improve when they’re not playing, but Newcastle need that line-leading No 9 that they’re missing so much right now, and Wissa is their best bet.
We know he can score Premier League goals, and the thought of him linking up with Nick Woltemade is an exciting one.
Home comforts
OK, so it’s Manchester City, but you can bet St James’ Park will be buzzing when the Premier League returns on November 22. Newcastle always rise to the challenge against the more established sides, and with some tricky away encounters to come, they will be fired-up for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s men under the lights.
We’ve been here before
It’s never quiite been this ‘bad’ before – and it’s certainly no crisis – but United have faced pivotal moments under Eddie Howe previously and come out the other side stronger than ever.
Just 12 months ago the season was going nowhere until Newcastle hit their straps in a scintilating run of form from December through to February which saw the campaign transformed and set up that memorable day at Wembley.
Questions need to be answered, problems need to be solved and, in some case, harsh words may be said, but there is every reason to believe things will change for the better.
Newcastle United news straight to your phone on WhatsApp
Newcastle United’s huge 2025-26 season is well under way and we’ll be with them every step of the way. We’ll bring you all the latest from St James’ Park and around Europe as Eddie Howe’s side face some mouthwatering challenges – and you can get updates sent to your phone so you don’t miss a thing by joining our WhatsApp channel.
It’s quick and easy to join. Just click this link and select ‘Join Community’ to get started.
Plus you can follow our new Newcastle United channel right here – just follow this link
Your informational will be hidden, you’ll only ever receive messages from the Chronicle Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. For more information, click here. You can read our Privacy Notice here.