Newcastle United

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United and Aston Villa will both be looking to bounce back after disappointing Premier League results last weekend when they meet at St James' Park on Sunday (14:00 GMT).

Newcastle were unable to find a breakthrough against bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 0-0 draw, continuing their woes on the road this season. On home soil, they have been much more effective and will be boosted by a 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in midweek.

Qualification for the Europa League knockout stage was the positive from a rough week for Aston Villa. Their 11-game home winning run was ended by Everton last weekend, and they then received the brutal news that key midfielder Boubacar Kamara is set to miss the rest of the season through injury.

Woltemade and Wissa still strangers

Although Newcastle have been strong at home this season, much of their attacking output lately has come from midfield and wide areas.

Bruno Guimaraes, who is a doubt for this game because of an ankle injury, is their leading league scorer with eight goals and would be a huge miss. Newcastle have never won a top-flight match he has missed.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa are the main striker options, but both have found life difficult domestically.

Since Wissa made his debut after recovering full fitness, Newcastle have lacked a consistent focal point up front. He has managed just one goal in the top flight so far, while Woltemade has scored in only one of his past 14 games – a brace in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

Wissa was impressive on his Champions League debut in midweek, grabbing a goal and an assist in the win over PSV, and could earn another start this weekend as a result.

Could Eddie Howe potentially pair the duo in an attempt to spark them both into life? At this stage, it appears unlikely. Remarkably, of the 268 minutes Wissa has played in the Premier League for Newcastle so far, Woltemade has been on the pitch for none of them.

Villa face critical moment as midfield falls apart

After the week they have endured, it feels as though Villa's campaign has reached a defining stage.

Not only will they be without the imperious Kamara for the foreseeable future, but captain and driving force John McGinn is also facing a spell on the sidelines after his injury against Everton.

Amadou Onana returned as a substitute against Fenerbahce on Thursday but the lack of midfield options appears to be having a knock-on effect in attack too. Morgan Rogers had six shots against Everton, his most in a game for Villa without scoring, and he has now had more shots than any player (15) since Christmas without a goal.

Villa had scored in 10 consecutive Premier League games before travelling to Crystal Palace. They have now failed to score in their last two and the sale of Donyell Malen leaves Ollie Watkins as the only senior striker.

Even with a fully-fit squad, Villa do not relish trips to Newcastle. The Magpies have not lost to Villa in their last 17 home league meetings, winning the last four at St James' Park by an aggregate score of 13-1.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There is a reason head coach Eddie Howe will give Bruno Guimaraes every chance to prove his fitness for Newcastle United's game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

"He's an inspirational figure," Howe said of his captain on Friday.

Guimaraes picked up an ankle knock following a collision with PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Matej Kovar in Newcastle's 3-0 win in the Champions League.

Although the Brazilian attempted to play on, after receiving some treatment, he eventually signalled to come off.

Newcastle were already on course for victory by then, but to say Guimaraes is this side's talisman would be an understatement.

Remarkably, since making his full debut nearly four years ago, Newcastle have not won a league game without the midfielder in their starting line-up.

"I wondered how long it would be before that one came up," Howe smiled.

No wonder, then, the head coach has not ruled Guimaraes out for the weekend.

But Newcastle also have to tread carefully, knowing there are other huge games to come, including a trip to the Parc des Princes to take on European champions Paris St-Germain next week.

Newcastle then face Liverpool at Anfield before playing Manchester City in the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the Etihad.

"We will try to get that right with Bruno," Howe added. "He's a pivotal player, he's been the match-winner for us so many times over the years.

"We need him, but we also need him fit and available and able to perform at his best levels so we will try to make all the calculations and come up with the right decision."

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa at St James' Park (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "I think with Bruno [Guimaraes], we hope he's not serious. The extent of the injury is still unknown, but he was reasonably positive after the game. He's the guy that will never rule anything out, so we're going to give him every chance for this weekend. Let's wait and see. This is the first day Dan Burn is training fully, and that is the key thing for him."

• Howe praised "unbelievable leader" Kieran Trippier as a "steadying, calming influence" and "a great communicator".

• On Lewis Miley: "He has got that inner belief in himself that he can handle anything thrown at him. To be a captain, you need those qualities. He has a lot of maturity and development to do, but the signs are good."

• Howe believes Anthony Gordon has saved his goals for the Champions League, and while he isn't sure why, he is "happy with him by the way he is creating and scoring goals". Howe added: "There is more in there for him to achieve. He is so committed."

• On Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade being fit: "It's actually a good thing for both players that they're both fit and available and able to contribute. From my side, I see it as a huge positive for both players. You almost want the whole team feeling this by the way, not just those two players, but the whole team feeling that one bad performance can cost them their place in the team. I think that's when teams play the best that they can, when everyone's pushing, and everyone's aware of the strength of the group."

• Howe says Newcastle have to "try to outperform their resources" as they are placed eighth in the Premier League's highest wage bills and "it shows we've got a long way to go in terms of revenue".

• On Aston Villa: "They have a clear way of playing and have gone on a really good run. That is very difficult to do in the Premier League. It was a really competitive game earlier on in the season."

Listen to Howe on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Matty Renton
Fan contributor

After a goal - his first in the Champions League - and assist in Newcastle's 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night, fan contributor Matt Renton has been discussing the forward's performance after a difficult start to his Magpies career.

Find more from Matty Renton at The Magpie Channel, external

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa says his best performances are yet to come.

With his first Champions League goal, Wissa opened the scoring against PSV on Tuesday before setting up Newcastle's second goal.

The 29-year-old has made a slow start to life at St James' Park, having suffered a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo shortly after signing for the Magpies in September.

But now he feels the ex-Brentford player is almost hitting his peak at his new club.

"There's more to come," Wissa told BBC Radio Newcastle. "I'm not 100% yet, but I'm close.

"I'm working hard to help the team.

"[My performance against PSV] is really important because I showed the manager that I can play and I'm in a good place - not the best - but it's coming.

"I needed time to adapt myself and my game with the players but I feel at home now."

Newcastle have won their last three Champions League games at St James' Park, keeping a clean sheet in all three after managing to do so just twice in their first 13 home games in the competition.

In all competitions, Newcastle have lost just one of their last 15 games at home, winning 11 and drawing three.

Wissa is ambitious about what he and his team-mates can do with the rest of the season.

"I think we can now achieve something great, especially in the Premier League, if we keep going like this, if we keep believing," Wissa said.

"For sure, every player believes [that we can go far in the Champions League]. We have an unbelievable squad. If I don't believe, I don't know why I'm here.

"We have amazing squad, amazing players, amazing mentality.

"If you have character and togetherness, I think we can achieve something great this year."

You can listen to Yoane Wissa's interview in full on BBC Sounds

We asked for your views on Newcastle's 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.

Here are some of your comments:

Adam: Nice to see us to cruise to a victory and not give away soft goals... it's not happened often this season!

Eric: Solid performance. We grew in confidence as the game went on. Miley added steadiness in midfield and Elanga showed hunger and pace when he came on. Defence was rock solid tonight. Need to carry this into away games now.

Paul: Great game and back to our best. I have a feeling dear Sir Bobby was spurring us on.

Simon: Where has this team been? We really showed up on this huge occasion. The press, quality on and off the ball and above all the passion was there in this team performance. We controlled the game well and were strong across the pitch and the 90 minutes. This is the type of performance we need to replicate in the Premier League. Next week we have a huge job to do in Paris. We owe PSG for the manner in which they previously beat us. A pleasure to watch this game. Well done lads.

John: As usual, predictably unpredictable. If only they could be more consistent I wouldn't have grey hair! But an excellent performance from all with the Lewis boys demonstrating that their contracts need reviewing. At least the result will stop the stupid "sack Eddie" comments from alleged NUFC fans.

There was debate over the fitness of Bruno Guimaraes on the Champions League Debrief show from BBC Sounds. The midfielder came off after 48 minutes in the win over PSV on Wednesday.

Pat Nevin: "The hope is they have a chance to rest him now. You need a fully fit Guimaraes now, not a half fit one."

Charlie Adam: "The fixture list they have coming up - Villa, PSG, Liverpool, Man City, Brentford - teams around them trying to fight for the Champions League. So if he misses Villa it's a huge blow. They couldn't afford to lose him for six or seven weeks. He has been a real standout player for them. He's one that carries the supporters with him in terms of getting the crowd going. To lose him for a few weeks would be a massive blow for them."

BBC Radio 5 Live's Ian Dennis: "This is a squad already stretched. Although Dan Burn is close to coming back - Eddie Howe says that's like a new signings. Osula is also close to coming back. But they still have Kraft out, Murphy out, Schar, Livramento and Lascelles. So they certainly won't want to be missing Guimaraes for a period of time."

Listen to Football Daily

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

From the Premier League's elite to the soggy pitches of Sunday league, injuries are part and parcel of football - but which top-flight teams have been worst affected so far this season?

With help from injury expert Ben Dinnery, of premierinjuries.com,, external BBC Sport has examined which sides have been hit the hardest, the impact injuries can have on under-fire managers - and whether things are always as bad as they seem.

• Read more detail on how clubs have been affected by injuries here

Liverpool generated more revenue than any other English club during the 2024-25 season, according to the annual Deloitte Money League survey.

In the survey's 29th season, the Reds brought in more than 836m euros (£729.5m). The figure moved the Reds from eighth in 2023-24 to fifth overall, while Manchester City dropped from second to sixth.

Manchester United dropped from fourth to eighth with the club's broadcast revenue falling from €258m (£225m) to €206m (£180m) largely due to a lack of Champions League football.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea each occupy the exact same positions in the Money League as last season, while Aston Villa moved up four spots. Newcastle and West Ham remain in the top 20, despite both dropping in position.

• Read more on the study

Across the study, clubs cumulatively reported record revenues of €12.4bn, an increase of 11% on 2023-24.

A major feature of the study points to clubs generating most of their revenue commercially, with about 43% of income coming from this source. Broadcast revenue and matchday income continue to take up smaller pieces of the revenue pie.

Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: "This year's Money League showcases the evolving commercial landscape of elite football, with clubs continuing to take greater ownership of their revenue-generating capabilities. It is no coincidence that the clubs in the top half of the ranking are those with the ability to focus on commercial revenue development, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau.

"There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets. The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations. This innovative approach is broadening revenue streams significantly, allowing clubs to unlock opportunities far beyond the traditional matchday experience in a drive to secure more sustainable financial futures."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to TNT Sports: "Really good performance from us. A difficult opponent, tactically they are tough to play against.

"We were rewarded with some really good goals today. Really good night for Yoane Wissa and I am really pleased for him. In part he came to this club for nights like today. The players embraced the challenge and I thought it was the best individual performances from a lot of the players for a while.

"A lot of the players have excelled in this competition this year and Anthony Gordon is one of those."

On Kieran Trippier giving Lewis Miley the captain's armband: "It was unscripted and unplanned, typical Kieran - thinking of other people. A great moment for Lewis."

Can you go to Paris and win in final game? "It is what we have to try to do. One step at a time, it is Aston Villa first. Premier League is so important and a really tough game."

On Bruno Guimaraes' injury: "For Bruno to come off it is a worrying sign but fingers crossed."

Did you know?

• Anthony Gordon has now been directly involved in eight goals in the Champions League for Newcastle (six goals, two assists), the outright most by any player for the club, while he has also equalled Alan Shearer's club-record six-goal tally for the Magpies in the competition.

• Bruno Guimaraes made his 13th Champions League start for Newcastle, the outright most of any outfield player and one behind Shay Given (14) overall.

Listen to Howe on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

PSV manager Peter Bosz spoke before this game about how his side play the same way regardless of whether they are home or away.

Such bravery has paid dividends.

The Dutch league leaders have hammered both Liverpool and Napoli in the Champions League, and their previous away defeat came last March.

But to attempt to play out from the back against a high press was always going to be fraught with danger against this Newcastle frontline - and this fervent crowd.

Yoane Wissa, recalled following the goalless draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves at the weekend, set the tone.

Not only did he press Kovar before the goalkeeper gave the ball away in the build-up to Newcastle's first - he closed Gasiorowski down in the run-up to Anthony Gordon doubling his side's lead.

After such a blunt showing at Molineux at the weekend - Newcastle did not have a shot on target until the 85th minute - Newcastle's rapid frontline thrived just four days later, with Harvey Barnes getting in on the act after the break.

Just like their other home wins against Benfica and Athletic Club in the Champions League, Newcastle made this look comfortable.

It got to the point where Eddie Howe had the luxury of taking off Joelinton, Gordon and Wissa midway through the second half, while 19-year-old Lewis Miley was even handed the captain's armband late on after Kieran Trippier went off.

The result had long been in the bag by then as Newcastle supporters repeatedly chanted: "Is this the way to Barcelona? Bayern Munich, Lazio, Roma? Geordie boys are taking over - Champions League awaits for me!"

The big question now is whether a play-off awaits or if this side can qualify for the last 16 automatically.

It's all to play for in Paris next week.

Listen to more reaction on BBC Radio Newcastle

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Yoane Wissa starts as Newcastle United make just one change for the visit of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

The Newcastle forward replaces Nick Woltemade in the starting line-up following the goalless draw against bottom of the table Wolves at the weekend.

Wissa makes his first-ever start in the competition as Newcastle look to clinch a last 16 play-off spot at St James' Park.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Wissa, Gordon

Subs: Ramsdale, Thompson, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, A.Murphy, Ramsey, Shahar, Neave, Miley

PSV have made two changes as Anass Salah-Eddine and Dennis Man come into the side.

PSV XI: Kovar, Sildillia, Schouten, Gasiorowski, Salah-Eddine, Veerman, Junior, Wanner, Man, Til, Perisic

Subs: Schiks, Smolenaars, Obispo, Flamingo, Fernandez, van den Berg, Driouech, Bajraktarevic, Verkooijen

There are nine games in the Champions League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Galatasaray v Atletico Madrid (17:45)

• Qarabag v Eintracht Frankfurt (17:45)

• Atalanta v Athletic Club

• Bayern Munich v Union Saint-Gilloise

• Chelsea v Pafos

• Juventus v Benfica

• Marseille v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle v PSV Eindhoven - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Slavia Prague v Barcelona

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Marseille v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v PSV".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle will guarantee qualification for the last-16 play-offs and keep slender hopes of a top-eight finish alive with a victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Their away struggles continued in the Premier League on Sunday with a 0-0 draw at bottom side Wolves, but they have been strong at home in the league (W7, D2, L2) and Europe (W2, L1).

PSV are in a fight to qualify, but they have proven to be dangerous opponents. A 4-1 win at Liverpool showcased their potential. The Dutch side have won both previous Champions League meetings between the teams, 1-0 at home and 2-0 away in 1997-98.

Did you know?

• PSV have won 14 of their past 16 games. However, their 4-1 win at Liverpool in November was just their second victory in 15 away games against English teams.

• They keep the ball well. Two of the three longest passing sequences leading to goals in the Champions League this season have been scored by PSV.

• Only Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Arsenal had more goals than PSV's 15 after six games.

Image source, Getty Images

Key PSV players - Joey Veerman and Guus Til

Veerman has eight goals and nine assists this season, and can play as a six or more advanced. The midfielder looked set to join Fenerbahce this month, but the deal collapsed. Since his PSV debut in January 2022, he ranks top in chances created – from open play and set-pieces – and assists among all players in the Eredivisie.

Meanwhile, Til is a versatile forward who is their top scorer with 14 goals, which is already his best scoring season for PSV. He was given his first Netherlands call-up in 2018, but he has been out of the international picture since 2024. However, he has outscored all the forwards who were called up to the last squad - including Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang and Donyell Malen - this season.

PSV squad summary

The Dutch giants will be without star forward Ricardo Pepi, who broke his arm scoring against Excelsior. He had scored in six consecutive games before injury. Ismael Saibari (11 goals this season) played in the Afcon final and could be back in contention. Meanwhile, Ruben van Bommel - the son of former Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel - is part of the squad.

Listen to commentary of Newcastle v PSV from 20:00 on Wednesday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against PSV Eindhoven at St James' Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Neither Dan Burn nor Will Osula will make the PSV game, though both are making progress. When Burn returns, particularly, it will feel like a new signing because of their positional need.

• Howe noted that the team looks "much more like ourselves" since they had the only opportunity to train in recent months during the international break.

• On Sir Bobby Robson's values: "Hard work, good organisation, never giving up, trying to do the crowd justice, represent the club in the right way - we've been trying to live by those principles since day one."

• Howe said there was "no truth" in speculation that Newcastle want Brazilian forward Rayan.

• On Sven Botman: "He was an instant hit. His early form was magnificent in that first season. When he was at his very best level he was one of the best defenders in the Premier League, without a doubt. We really missed him and it took us a long time to adjust to being without him. It's a massive lift, having him back."

• On qualifying automatically from the league phase: "It's a massive incentive because it means less games in a season when we're being stretched."

• On PSV: "They've got different ideas. I like watching teams which are slightly out of the ordinary."

• On Champions League preparations: "There's a real stimulation and focus about this game, you can see it in the body language of the players. They want to do well in every competition, but there's a special feeling about this."

• On Anthony Gordon: "He has had some really high points this season, mainly in the Champions League, so he's a big player for us."

• On how team-mates can help Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa: "They both have standout qualities that will help us, whichever one we pick. All we can ask is that they give their absolute all, and the team needs to create moments for them to hopefully decide the game."

You can listen to Eddie Howe's presser in full on BBC Sounds

On Wednesday, you can listen to full commentary of Newcastle v PSV on BBC Radio 5 Live

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Sometimes it is easy to forget just how much has changed at Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe's side are preparing to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

But when Sven Botman joined the club in 2022, they had not long pulled away from relegation danger.

Newcastle have since gone on to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, and take a seat at Europe's top table on multiple occasions.

Botman, though, is far from satisfied.

"The trophy was really nice last season," the Dutchman said on Tuesday.

"We definitely want to have more trophies as well as setting a goal for ourselves to be in the Champions League spots every single season.

"That's what we aim for. With the group we have, that should be what we are achieving every season."

Botman signed a new long-term contract earlier this month, which head coach Eddie Howe described as "a really important" deal.

After losing Alexander Isak last summer, no-one at Newcastle needs reminding of the significance of tying down their key players.

Botman has had an injury-disrupted couple of years, but this is a defender who Howe rated as one of the best in the Premier League during his impressive first season at the club.

"It has been a tough few months for him because he has had difficult injury problems and setbacks and he has had to show real strength of character," he added.

"He has great qualities and we really missed him so to get him back was a massive lift.

"I think we are seeing signs of him getting back to his best levels and hopefully that can stay the same for many years to come."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson says the recent performances of strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoanne Wissa is "a problem" for Magpies boss Eddie Howe.

Neither has registered a goal in all competitions yet in January, with the Magpies only mustering two shots on target in Sunday's goalless draw at Wolves in which Wissa replaced Woltemade after 67 minutes.

"I think Eddie has got a problem with his two forward players," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle. "The goals have dried up a bit for Woltemade.

"He had a few chances against Wolves but there were times he was coming deeper than the midfield players. You don't want that, you want him in advanced positions.

"He started like a house on fire and scored goals early on but they have dried up

"Wissa I feel for. He virtually had no pre-season, he went away with his national side and got injured and has been out for so long, and now he has been rushed back because needs must.

"It's alright saying he's fit but he's not match-sharp. He's had a couple of chances in recent games - including that one in the first half against Manchester City - where he's snatched at them.

"He needs a run of games to get match-fit. It's alright training but a match situation in the Premier League is a completely different scenario.

"They are two different types of forward players. The two goals Wissa has got are from in the six-yard box because he gambles on things and looks to get across defenders.

"Woltemade is the opposite. He likes to drop to the edge of the penalty area. Wide players are getting forward but he's pulled out, he doesn't want to get in there.

"I think Wissa will score goals with the more games he plays, you can see he's not at his sharpest.

"But, they are two totally different types of players. If you rotate them you're not going like-for-like because they play so differently. It's a problem for Eddie Howe and it won't get any easier with all the games coming up."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It's a weird Premier League season, isn't it? It has already surpassed last season's stalemate total, and we're only just over halfway through. Newcastle contributed to that statistic this weekend with a nil-nil draw at Wolves. A game for the ages it was not.

Whilst this result falls into a broader pattern in the league of dull draws, it also serves as an insight into Newcastle this season in general. Hindsight is 20/20, but our summer window looks increasingly poor. Injuries are leaving us exposed defensively. We are toothless in front of goal. This is all nothing new.

I know we don't want to talk about our striker and the impact his leaving had on the club, but it feels impossible to gloss over now. We wanted to ignore it and be excited about other signings.

Now we should be honest. Woltemade was, surely, a project player thrown in the deep end earlier than expected. He provided goals for us and enjoyed some success, and I think there's loads more to come from him.

The 29-year-old Wissa was, so we were told, supposed to be a second-choice striker. You can now see why, though I hope it's just a case of getting back up to speed post-injury.

Last week, Eddie Howe encouraged us to wrap our players in a big bundle of love (I'm paraphrasing, but it really wasn't far off this message).

Stone circle vibes aside, he's right. It does us no good at this point in the season to really dig out our players when they need backing and confidence. It's just difficult not to get frustrated with the quality of the games we're seeing.

I try to zoom out and remember we're still in the League Cup (just), still in the Champions League, and still in the FA Cup. All is not lost. It's just a bit hard to watch sometimes.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external