Eddie Howe is walking into the unknown as Newcastle United manager against Fulham.
For all the highs of his Newcastle United tenure, this is Eddie Howe’s lowest moment on Tyneside. Newcastle United’s defeat to Sunderland was unacceptable, with Howe’s side putting in an embarrassing performance.
It compounded what has been a frustrating and inconsistent season so far, and now the Magpies must turn their attention to the Carabao Cup. They are one win away from another semi-final, as they prepare to face Fulham at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United will be under huge pressure, and it is vital that they start fast.
Our predicted XI to face Fulham tonight! What changes would you make? ⚫⚪
Newcastle United have to start fast against Fulham in the Carabao Cup
It is unclear what the mood will be like inside St James’ Park against Fulham. It is hardly going to be buzzing after the devastating defeat to Sunderland.
There will be a fear that the crowd could become restless and turn on Howe’s team if things start to go wrong, which is why it is vital that Newcastle United come out all guns blazing.
Howe needs his players to start fast against Fulham, showing the kind of intensity that was absent on Sunday. An early goal certainly would not go amiss, just like the one Newcastle scored against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in November.
Malick Thiaw gave Newcastle United the lead within the first minute, on a night when they secured their first away win in the Premier League. That early goal settled Toon nerves, as they comfortably won 4-1.
A similarly strong start is important for Eddie Howe, otherwise the atmosphere inside St James’ Park could quickly become negative. That is not something that Howe has really experienced during his reign as Newcastle United manager.
Will a win in the cup against Fulham help you get over losing to Sunderland? 🏆
How many times have Newcastle United scored in the first 10 minutes this season?
There have been three occasions this season when Newcastle United have scored within the first 10 minutes, including the aforementioned Malick Thiaw header.
The other two instances saw Jacob Murphy score in the fourth minute against West Ham and Harvey Barnes find the net in the sixth minute away to Marseille.
On both occasions, Newcastle United failed to capitalise on their fast start and went on to lose.
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