Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says his side have struggled with confidence during their difficult run of form but has helped them 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 quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in midweek.
The Magpies had previously 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 beings and I think there were – sometimes slightly in certain games – confidence issues.”
“But I think that in the last two appearances you could see a really good feeling within the team. I would probably say three of the last four have been really strong, as strong as we’ve seen this season.
“Hopefully that’s a good sign. I think we’re scoring goals again, which will boost our confidence.
We want to continue our momentum. 👊 pic.twitter.com/UUXpOEyIjX
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 20, 2024
“Three goals again the other night and perhaps we could have scored more goals from different areas of the pitch, which we haven’t really had this season.
“We’ve always had that, goals from everywhere. I think that’s a really important aspect and it was great to see Sandro (Tonali) score two big goals for us.
“I think when you believe you can score goals from different sources and areas of the team, it obviously increases your self-esteem.”
Team news
Callum Wilson is another long-term absence as the striker struggles with injury, while midfielder Joelinton misses the Ipswich game.
Howe said: “Joelinton is fine, just a bit banged up and bruised. Yesterday I think he had a few stitches in his ear area, which was pretty tender.
“He had a cut on his mouth so I think it’s probably a good thing for him since he’s not available this weekend because it means he can rest his bruises and wounds and then hopefully be fit for the week after that. “
Howe on Ipswich: “We know Portman Road and Ipswich are a difficult game, they are a really competitive team.
“I think Kieran (McKenna) did an incredible job there and even the games they lost this season, they were in all those games, very close games, a very competitive team, like I said.
“So we have to be extremely vigilant to be ready for the game.”
