Pre-Match Analytics

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are expected to line up in their usual 4-3-3, built around vertical progression, wing play, and structured high pressing. They thrive in transitions, consistently targeting wide overloads and sharp midfield movements to destabilise defences.

 

In possession, Newcastle build from the back using wide areas. With Fabian Schär possibly absent, Dan Burn may take on more ball-playing duties, forcing progression down the left. Their wingers—Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy—often drop deep, while surrounding players make forward runs to create half-space openings. This movement enables quick combinations and cut-ins from the flanks.

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Newcastle’s attacking threat hinges on width and verticality—1v1s, overlapping runs, and late midfield arrivals form the core of their chance creation. Jacob Murphy has been a key creative force with 11 assists, while Alexander Isak leads the line with 23 goals. Additionally, they’ve attempted the 3rd most fast-break shots in the league, highlighting their threat in transition.

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Out of possession, they deploy a high press with man-marking principles, especially against deep build-up teams. Nick Pope plays a crucial role in sweeping up behind the high line, averaging 2.24 defensive actions outside the box per 90. If the press is broken, they fall into a compact 4-5-1 mid-block, with Murphy sometimes dropping deeper to form a back five.

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