Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says his side have had confidence issues during a difficult run of form, but he has backed them to continue their winning streak against Ipswich.
Howe’s side beat Leicester 4-0 last weekend and followed that up with a 3-1 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final in midweek.
Prior to that, the Magpies had gone four games without a win, but Howe is ready to see more points – and goals – over the Christmas period.
He said: “We are human and I think there have been – sometimes in certain games – trust issues.
“But I think you’ve seen a really good feeling within the team in the last two appearances. I’d say three of the last four have been very strong, as strong as we’ve seen this season.
“Hopefully this is a good sign. I think we are scoring goals again, which builds confidence.
We want to continue our momentum. 👊 pic.twitter.com/UUXpOEyIjX
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 20, 2024
“Three goals again the other night and we probably could have scored more goals from different areas of the pitch, which we haven’t really had this season.
“We’ve always had that historically, goals from everywhere. I think it’s a very important aspect and it was great to see Sandro (Tonali) come up with two massive goals for us.
“I think if you think you can score goals from different sources, areas of the team, it naturally lifts how you feel about yourself.”
Team news
Callum Wilson is long-term once again as the striker struggles with injury, while midfielder Joelinton is out for the Ipswich game.
Howe said: “Jolinton is fine, he’s a bit knocked up and bruised, yesterday he had a few stitches I believe, around his ear area which was quite delicate.
“He had a cut on his mouth so I think, probably, him not being available this weekend is probably good for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and hopefully be fit for next week.”
Howe on Ipswich: “We know Portman Road and Ipswich are a tough game, they are a really competitive team.
“I think Kieran (McKenna) has done an incredible job there and even the games he’s missed this season, it’s been in all those games, very tight matches, very competitive team like I said.
“So we’ll have to be on high alert to be ready for the fight.”
