Eddie Howe told ‘drop Alexander Isak and Sven Botman’ at Newcastle
Newcastle stars including Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes may need to be dropped ahead of the Carabao Cup final, according to Tim Sherwood.
Liverpool have responded to Newcastle’s asking price for Isak, and whilst the Swedish forward has been in magnificent form for the Magpies this season, the goals have dried up in recent weeks.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker scored twice against Southampton on 25 January, and those were Isak’s only goals in his last five league appearances.
Botman has been a key player since joining from Lille in 2022, but the Dutch defender has been consistently hampered by injuries, appearing only three times in the league this season.
Eddie Howe has already made clear his unhappiness at recent Newcastle performances, and sent a warning to his stars that their poor league performances may cost them their place in the starting XI against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has some tough decisions to make
Newcastle have only been able to muster two wins from their last five Premier League matches, with those victories coming against relegation-battlers Southampton and Wolves.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson gave his opinion on Newcastle’s poor league form, that has contrasted with their wonderful cup run, suggesting they might be distracted.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Merson said (1.19pm):”There will be something in the back of their mind with the cup final coming up, there will, especially with the history of Newcastle, how long it’s been since they won one.
“You’re gonna go down as a legend. The last thing you want to do now is get injured. I don’t mean that in a horrible way where people will be going ‘Oh, their not trying’. Of course they are, but there is something in the back of your head when you’re playing.”
| 2024/25 Premier League standings | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 26 | +36 | 61 |
| 2. Arsenal | 26 | +28 | 53 |
| 3. Nottingham Forest | 25 | +12 | 47 |
| 4. Man City | 25 | +17 | 44 |
| 5. Bournemouth | 26 | +14 | 43 |
| 6. Chelsea | 25 | +13 | 43 |
| 7. Newcastle | 25 | +9 | 41 |
Sherwood then added his opinion on the Magpies struggles, saying: “There’ll probably be about four or five of these Newcastle players where Eddie’ll know if they’re fit they’re definitely going to play, and the players will know that as well.
“It’s them ones you’ve got to worry about, the Isaks. I’m not saying the kid’s not trying but he might not going into a tackle, Botman’s very important for them at the back. I think Joelinton in midfield and Bruno Guimaraes, they’re two who’ll definitely play.
“Sometimes you’re better off leaving them out entirely, that’s what I did when I was at Aston Villa.”
Newcastle must figure out Premier League form or miss out on Europe
Football Insider Verdict
Newcastle are preparing for some big-name exits if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The club find themselves stuck between the rock of not having won a trophy since 1955, and the hard place of their ambitious playing squad wanting to compete in Europe’s elite competition.
The issue has been grave enough that now, Howe may have to consider benching some of his stars in order to kick-start their ailing league campaign.
The former Bournemouth boss has relied on largely the same starting XI this season, but now the Magpies boss may need to turn to some of his reserve players, like Kieran Trippier who almost left Newcastle in January, to fix their league form.