It’s a huge week for Newcastle United, with a Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen and after that, the hotly-anticipated Tyne-Wear derby.
After the defeat to Marseille two weeks ago, Newcastle are down in 11th place in the Champions League table, which would only be good enough for a play-off spot.
How has Newcastle United’s win over Burnley made you feel about next week’s trip to Sunderland? 👀
To me, it feels like the win over West Ham before the cup final. Far from pretty, but does raise some confidence…
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Premier League form is vastly improved and the Magpies are now unbeaten in four after the win over Burnley at the weekend.
Any confidence issues should be eradicated for Newcastle now, but the weight of expectation still remains. Can Eddie Howe and co. deliver what the fans want this week?
Newcastle supporters demand a win vs Sunderland
Over on Twitter/X, a controversial question was asked of Newcastle fans: “Would you take two draws this week away to Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland?” Suffice it to say, there was a big response, and a definite minimum expectation was laid out.
A massive 69% said they would not be happy with a draw in both games. Among the replies, one fan wrote: “Draw is more than acceptable at Leverkusen but obviously should be looking to win, need to be looking to win at Sunderland. Negative mindset being happy with draws all the time, should be striding to rip teams apart like we did at Everton.”
Another said: “I would take defeat in Leverkusen. Absolutely not having any excuses not beating Sunderland this weekend.”
A third added: “We’re beating Sunderland but a draw against Leverkusen would be ok… but I think we’ll beat them too.”
Clearly, then, there are no supporters who would accept anything less than a win against fierce rivals Sunderland. With that game coming up, Eddie Howe may even rest some players in midweek.
But, there were plenty of fans who want maximum points from these next two games.
One demanded: “How about we have some standards especially after spending over £500m and go and beat both?”
Another said, “Mentality is the start of everything. Being happy with two draws comes from a place of fear,” while another added, “If we want to reach our aspirations, we need to beat both.”
- READ MORE: Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Bayer Leverkusen as Eddie Howe avoids Yoane Wissa temptation
Premier League progress would be massive
After the recent run of three wins and a draw in the league, Newcastle are within touching distance of the top five. A win against Sunderland would take them that one step closer.
It would also see the Magpies leapfrog Sunderland in the league table, which would be very satisfying indeed.
The Black Cats have made a fantastic start to the season, and they’ve let Newcastle United fans know about that at every opportunity.
Throwback time! Name the two players missing from the Newcastle XI that beat Bayer Leverkusen in February 2003!
Top marks if you can remember the centre-midfielder…
To get bragging rights back would be a huge boost for everyone on Tyneside. I’m sure every Newcastle fan would agree that Sunderland need taking down a peg or two, and Eddie Howe absolutely must make sure his team give everything to make that happen this weekend.
Newcastle’s record against Leverkusen is impressive, and maintaining that is important. But local pride is the most important thing.
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