Alan Shearer predicts Newcastle frustration - despite double boost before Coventry

Alan Shearer has warned Newcastle United that Monday night’s trip to Coventry City could prove tricky, despite the potential return of two experienced players.

The Magpies travel to the CBS Arena after a three-week international break, with Dan Burn and Joelinton both closing in on comebacks as Matthias Jaissle looks to get his side back to winning ways.

Shearer wary of “tricky” Coventry trip

Speaking to Betfair ahead of the game, our record goalscorer believes Frank Lampard’s side will be full of confidence after picking up an important victory before the international break, winning 1-0 at Nottingham Forest. 

Shearer expects Coventry to provide a difficult test for the Magpies, and has predicted the game to end all square. 

“This is a tough one for Newcastle going away to Coventry. Frank Lampard got the win that they needed before the break and he would have had a good three weeks off the back of that. 

“I imagine he would have liked to have another game sooner rather than later to try and continue the momentum, but they will still be feeling good, which is why I think it could be tricky for Newcastle.”

Newcastle beat Hull City 2-1 in our last break before the break, sending us into the international period in 9th, but we were made to work for it in the end after racing into a 2-0 lead. 

Double boost, but neither will start? 

There is more encouraging news on the injury front, with Burn and Joelinton both pushing to return to the squad after missing the opening weeks of the campaign.

However, Shearer believes it would be a surprise to see either player thrown straight into the starting XI after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“I think it would be a big ask to chuck Dan Burn and Joelinton straight back into the fold against Coventry. Having not played football for so long, I’d be very, very surprised if they were to start.

“They are great, great reinforcements to have back. Joelinton’s had injury problems clearly for a while, but I think two experienced heads, two lads who know what the Premier League’s about with so many youngsters in the team, I think to have them back in the squad would be a big plus for Newcastle.

“I am really interested to see how Joelinton gets on without Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães and how he will fit into our midfield now. We know what he’s like on his best day. He’s very, very tough to play against. He’s a combative midfielder. But he’ll add great experience into the midfield.”

Joelinton’s potential return is particularly interesting given the changes in Newcastle’s midfield, with Shearer keen to see how the Brazilian adapts to a different role, not only in the absence of Tonali and Guimarães, but our change to a 4-2-3-1 system under Jaissle.

Both he and Burn would bring valuable experience to a relatively young squad, as well as the physicality and leadership that Newcastle have missed during their respective absences.

With several other players also working their way back to fitness, like Osula, Dedic and Gonzalez, Jaissle could soon have far more options at his disposal. The challenge now is getting those players back without rushing them, while ensuring Newcastle return from the break ready to take on a Coventry side Shearer believes could cause problems.