Eddie Howe will face the media on Friday morning ahead of Newcastle United's return to Premier League action against Tottenham. The Magpies have been training on Tyneside following a warm-weather training camp in Dubai, looking to bounce back from two defeats before the international break.
Newcastle remain nine points clear of the relegation zone, and will be aiming to avoid a third straight loss ahead of a run of three consecutive home fixtures. However, Tottenham seem to have stabilised their form under Antonio Conte, and boast an in-form attacking trident in Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and January signing Dejan Kulusevski.
Howe will address a range of topics on Friday morning ahead of the televised encounter this weekend. Here is a look at the questions the United head coach should expect to face.
ASM latest
Allan Saint-Maximin has not started a match since the narrow home victory against Aston Villa in February, with injury and illness both ruling him out of recent fixtures. The French forward's last three appearances have all come from the bench, and the 16-day break could have come at the right time for him to return to full fitness.
Saint-Maximin has taken to social media in the last fortnight to respond to critics following his mixed recent displays, but he remains the Magpies' second top-scorer this season. Howe will almost be certainly asked for an injury update on the 25-year-old, and his view on the attacker's recent displays.
Dubai rewards
Newcastle have made the most of the break in the domestic calendar to jet off for their second warm-weather training camp of 2022. The Magpies travelled to Saudi Arabia at the end of January, and went on to win five of their next six Premier League matches.
Fans and the club will be hoping for a similar return following their Dubai excursion, with several players already praising the work carried out both on and off the pitch. Howe will likely be asked about the work carried out during the training camp, and whether he deems the visit as another success.
Injury updates
Newcastle fans were delighted to see injured duo Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson both join the rest of the squad in Dubai. The influential pair have both endured lengthy spells on the sidelines, with initial reports suggesting they could be out until the final weeks of the season.
However, the latest pictures and comments from Trippier and Wilson themselves suggest they are both making good progress in their recoveries. The Magpies boss can expect questions on whether a timescale can be given for the return of either player, as well as updates on Martin Dubravka, Isaac Hayden, Jamal Lewis, and Fabian Schar.
International stars
Bruno Guimaraes continues to dominate the headlines and delight United supporters after scoring his first goal for Brazil, and assisting former team-mate Lucas Paqueta during the emphatic win in Bolivia. Emil Krafth was also in action, with Sweden missing out on a place at the World Cup following defeat against Poland.
Chris Wood became New Zealand's all-time leading goalscorer, while Martin Dubravka and Fabian Schar missed fixtures through illness and injury respectively. The Sunday kick-off gives these returning stars an extra day to stake their claim to start, and Howe will be asked about each of their availability.
Midfield conundrum
Following a lengthy wait, Newcastle fans were finally given the opportunity to watch Guimaraes from the start in each of their last three fixtures. A hectic schedule forced Howe to make changes to the impressive midfield trio of Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Joe Willock.
Guimaraes' international duty may force him to settle for a spot on the bench on this occasion, but the head coach faces something of a dilemma in the middle of the park. Will he leave the January signing out in favour of the aforementioned trio, does the Brazil international keep his place or could Sean Longstaff come into the fold?
Tottenham tactics
Conte's side will be looking to complete the double over the Magpies this season, having earned victory at St James' Park in October in Steve Bruce's final match in charge. Tottenham have been consistently inconsistent for much of the season, but have won three of their last four matches and remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Howe was forced into a last-minute tactical reshuffle for the recent trip to Stamford Bridge, where Newcastle impressed defensively and in their press despite conceding the lionshare of possession. The head coach will be asked about the test Tottenham face, and the changes he may have to make to try and keep Kane, Kulusevski, and Son quiet.
Wood's goals
Newcastle's January signing may be struggling for goals in black-and-white, but the former Burnley striker has enjoyed a memorable international break. Wood has scored five times in his last four appearances for New Zealand, becoming the Kiwis' all-time leading goalscorer in the process.
Howe has praised the 30-year-old for his all-round contributions so far for Newcastle, although concerns remain after a return of just one goal in 10 matches so far. The head coach will likely be asked to give his views on the striker, his availability to face Tottenham, and what this international run could mean for his club form.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
