Our run of six-straight wins came to an end last Saturday, as we ran out of steam in a 4-1 defeat to top-five rivals Aston Villa, who could've easily scored five or six.
A wake-up call when it comes to squad depth and a game too far in Eddie Howe's absence, with the result blowing the race for Champions League race open again.
However, with Aston Villa losing to Man City in midweek, we can now go five clear of Unai Emery's side with a win over Ipswich this weekend.
It's the start of a five-game mini league and it's brilliant news on every level to see Howe has been back at work this week after overcoming pneumonia.
Howe's pre-match comments
On how he's doing: "I’m okay, I am not 100% in my body, but 100% in my mind. It's been difficult, I tried to take a positive experience from it, it has been a real challenge, your health you take for granted, I certainly did. Been through a range of emotions, I feel like I am on the road to recovery and glad to be back here. The care that I received from the NHS was first class. I came back in, and normal service resumed, minus running around, a lot more reserved physically."
On performances in his absence: "I had zero involvement, you are either all in or all out, and I didn’t feel well enough to focus on the football, so I gave Jason and all the coaches the full responsibility. Jason [Tindall], Graeme [Jones], Simon [Weatherstone], Stephen [Purches] and all the coaches have done a brilliant job. I was able to watch all the games, but I wasn’t fully there mentally, but I was really proud and so lifted by the performances. A big thank you to everybody and full credit to the players."
On the run-in: "I see it being very tight and possibly going to the end of the season for the top five places. I think we have put ourselves in a very strong position. We go into a five-game league now where we have some tough games, but we’ll have to be at our best, starting with Ipswich."
On Botman and Schar: "Sven has trained well this week, great to see him back with the group and on the grass. A really big step for him. Fabian, we hope will be okay.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu8PWnMk1BE
Team news
Fabian Schar (hamstring) should be OK and Sven Botman (knee) has 'trained well' this week, but Lewis Hall (foot) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) remain out.
For Ipswich, Leif Davis is suspended and a 'late decision' will be made on Toon target Liam Delap (rib), who has been unable to start their last few games. Townsend, Phillips, Broadhead, Muric, Burns, Ogbene, Szmodics, Philogene are out.
Predicted line-up
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento – Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
I think the back five picks itself for now, providing Schar is OK. Botman's return to training will also keep both of our centre-backs on their toes, not that we'll rush the Dutchman back.
Pope has conceded penalties in his last two home games, but he's Howe's No.1 and without some of his stops at Villa Park last weekend it could've got really ugly.
The midfield is set and Joelinton is free from any two-game ban worries now the 10-yellow rule has passed, although it is not clear who will start out wide.
Gordon is usually our star winger when fit, but Barnes has been superb since coming in, delivering four goals and four assists in the last six league games, while Murphy continues to be our creative force down the right.
As Gordon hasn't done quite enough in recent cameos, I think Howe will resist the temptation to bring him back into the XI and go with the same XI that saw us win six of the last seven games.
Match prediction
Defeat for Ipswich will send them down and I can't see past that result.
We battered them at Portman Road earlier in the season, everyone will be boosted by Howe's return, the importance of this game won't be underestimated with the Champions League up for grabs and the player will be looking to respond after last Saturday's setback at Villa.
Isak to find his finishing boots and Barnes to keep the run going in a comfortable home win.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich
Howay the lads!
