Man United's Europa League madness & can Villa halt Newcastle's charge?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Athletic FC Podcast Episode Title: Man United's Europa League Madness & Can Villa Halt Newcastle's Charge? Release Date: April 18, 2025 Host: Matt Davis Adams

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1. Remarkable Comeback by Manchester United

Timestamp: [03:20] - [05:10]

The episode opens with a detailed analysis of Manchester United's astonishing comeback in their Europa League match at Old Trafford. Despite being two goals down against ten-man Leon, Reuben Amarim's side managed to score twice in the final minute of extra time, salvaging their season in an extraordinary fashion.

Mark Richley, an Athletic reporter, provides his insights:

"It was an extraordinary night in the context of the club season, in the context of the club's history. It was just incredible... one of the greatest European nights in all of Manchester United's history." ([03:40])

Richley reflects on his initial skepticism regarding Amarim's substitution decisions but acknowledges the incredible turnaround:

"In the 120th minute, I had to throw all that out of the window and totally reverse..." ([03:40])

This victory not only keeps Manchester United's season alive but also secures their chances for next season's Champions League, preventing the club from facing exclusion for the first time in over a decade.

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2. Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League Journey

Timestamp: [10:01] - [12:37]

The discussion shifts to Tottenham Hotspur, who, despite being overshadowed by Manchester United's dramatic win, secured their place in the Europa League semi-finals by defeating Eintracht Frankfurt. Jay Harris, an Athletic reporter, shares his observations:

"Dominic Solanke's first-half penalty kept Spurs' season alive... This was a really mature and disciplined performance across the two legs." ([10:21])

Dominic Solanke highlights the significance of Solanke's penalty:

"He takes that penalty after Maddison was wiped out by Frankfurt's goalkeeper... it's a massive moment." ([12:25])

Post-match, Postecoglou expressed his relief and determination:

"You’re going to have to put up with me for a little bit longer, mate." ([12:28])

This success for Spurs not only advances their cup run but also reinforces their managerial stability under Ange Postecoglou.

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3. Premier League Title Race: Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United

Timestamp: [15:21] - [37:05]

The core of the episode revolves around the intense Premier League title race, specifically the clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Hosts and correspondents analyze both teams' performances, strategies, and key players.

3.1 Newcastle United's Impressive Away Form

Chris Woff, Newcastle United writer, explains the factors behind Newcastle's enhanced away performance:

"They've got the second highest number of chances created from fast breaks... a more settled side with a core group of players has really benefited them." ([15:40])

Key points include:

• Improved tactical approach under Eddie Howe, focusing on counter-attacks.
• Increased player availability leading to consistent performances.
• Jacob Murphy's exceptional form, contributing significantly to Newcastle's goal tally.

3.2 Aston Villa's Unbeaten Home Streak

Jacob Tanswell, Aston Villa correspondent, discusses Villa's formidable home record:

"Villa are just far more confident, far bolder at home... always wanting to impose themselves." ([17:26])

Highlights include:

• Villa's strategy under Unai Emery, emphasizing possession and proactive play.
• The impact of key signings like Ollie Watkins and Amadou Nala.
• Villa's focus on maintaining their unbeaten home streak to secure top-four finishes.

3.3 Tactical Battle and Key Player Performances

Dominic Solanke delves into the tactical nuances between the two teams:

"Newcastle's midfield is arguably the most complete alongside probably Villa's... if Newcastle can get possession, break up play well, and use fast breaks, they'll have the upper hand." ([27:38])

Key insights:

• Newcastle's midfield trio of Sandra Tonali, Bruno Guimaraj, and Joel Linton orchestrates their play effectively.
• Villa's adjustments to reduce their high defensive line and adopt a more conservative approach against Newcastle's athleticism.
• The significance of Jacob Murphy's role in creating and capitalizing on scoring opportunities for Newcastle.

3.4 Predictions and Final Thoughts

Dominic Solanke predicts a Villa victory:

"I think Villa are due to win Newcastle. So I'll go three-one Villa." ([34:06])

Conversely, Chris Woff offers a more balanced outlook:

"I think there'll be goals. I'm going to go for two each... Newcastle don't draw games, so that would be a rarity." ([34:14])

The hosts conclude that while Newcastle remains a formidable contender, Villa's strategic depth and home advantage make the upcoming match a pivotal moment in the title race.

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4. Additional Highlights

• Manchester City's Form: The discussion briefly touches on Manchester City's resurgence under new signings, indicating their potential threat in the title race.
• Chelsea's Internal Struggles: Chelsea's managerial tensions and inconsistent performances are noted as factors affecting their season.
• Forest City's Top-Five Ambitions: Forest City's unexpected rise is acknowledged, positioning them as challengers for top-five spots alongside Newcastle and Villa.

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5. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to guests and a preview of upcoming discussions on Champions League pursuits and other teams vying for top league positions. Listeners are encouraged to tune in next week for continued coverage and analysis.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mark Richley on Man United's comeback:

  "[03:40] It was just incredible... one of the greatest European nights in all of Manchester United's history."

• Dominic Solanke on Tottenham's performance:

  "[10:21] This was a really mature and disciplined performance across the two legs."

• Jacob Tanswell on Villa's home confidence:

  "[17:26] Villa are just far more confident, far bolder at home."

• Dominic Solanke's prediction:

  "[34:06] I think Villa are due to win Newcastle. So I'll go three-one Villa."

• Chris Woff's counter-prediction:

  "[34:14] I'm going to go for two each... Newcastle don't draw games, so that would be a rarity."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and analyses presented in the episode, providing listeners with an in-depth overview of Manchester United's Europa League resurgence, Tottenham's disciplined campaign, and the electrifying Premier League title race between Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Transcript

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[Athletic FC Network]

The Athletic FC Podcast Network.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Hello, I'm Matt Davis Adams. Welcome to the preview on the Athletic fc. There are six games to go in the Premier League season and this week we're focusing on the race for Champions League football as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United whilst Manchester United and Spurs kept their dreams of qualifying for next season's competition alive with victories in the Europa League. Before we look ahead to this weekend's action, we have to start by looking back at that unbelievable game at Old Trafford first of all, where Reuben Amarim side dragged their season out of the ashes in quite extraordinary fashion as they scored twice in the final minute of extra time to complete a staggering comeback from four two down against ten man Leon at Old Trafford.

[Chase Representative]

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[Matt Davis Adams]

Mark Richley was there for the Athletic and joins us now. Mark, simple question. What on earth happened?

[Host]

Look, when I got asked to do this podcast appearance at about half ten last night, I thought, yeah, no problem. I can do that. You know, I'm sure 12 hours from now I'll be able to articulate exactly what just happened. But I'm afraid you've. You've booked the wrong guest because I'm absolutely no closer to being able to do that. But I'll give it a go. I think the best way of summing it up is to say that in the 120th minute I had written an item for on the whistle briefing that criticized Reuben Amrun's reluctance to use the substitutions. The substitutions when he made them sticking Cobby Maine up front and how ridiculous it was that when, you know everything's collapsing around and that the best idea that they've got is to stick Harry Maguire up top. And then by the 121st minute, I had to throw all that out of the window and totally reverse was just an extraordinary night in, in the context of the club season, in the context of the club's history. It was, it was a game that I maybe the only game I've ever been to where I almost just lost track of the sequence of events and the goals. In half an hour afterwards, I still wasn't entirely clear what the scoreline was. It was just incredible. And yeah, I think it will be remembered as up there with Barcelona in 84. Barcelona 2008, you know, just one of the greatest European nights in all traffic history.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Yeah, it was incredible. If it makes you feel any better, I was listening on 5 live on my way back from Stamford Bridge. And they'd started their eulogy long before Kobe Mainoo scored. So what does this mean for United then? I guess the simpler answer is it keeps their season alive.

[Host]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, it wasn't just about crashing out of Europe this season, but next as well. United need to win the Europa League to have any chance of playing in the Europe next season or qualify for the Champions League if they do. Otherwise it would have been the first outside of Europe in 11 years. I think that's only happened twice in the last 35 years. People have been saying that Bilbao or bust has been the phrase, and it was very much that United. You know, there's a financial aspect to this. United need the money that European football brings. They've spent years living a Champions League lifestyle. And the Europa League budget, and there's essentially. Last night was essentially £85 million on the table if they could get through and then progress all the way, win this competition and then qualify for the Champions League. And you had Reuben Ambren this week saying, you know, champions League will change absolutely everything. So there's that aspect to it, and that's really important. But I also think, look, step away from the financial side, the money and that, and that side of things. If United win Europa League, it helps validate this idea that there is more to come from Ruben Amarim and that things will get better, because that is honestly all that a lot of United fans have had to cling to for much of this season. The sense that once Amarim is given time, once he has the players, things will improve. I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't been hard to believe that at times. Right. And there's absolutely no guarantees that it will work out either if they do go and win the Europa League. But it's that sense of hope and that sense of progress that United fans have been desperate to cling on to. And I think, you know, ending the season successfully, if they can progress through the semi finals and win that final in Wilbur, you know, that would be huge for us.

[Matt Davis Adams]

As for Amarim, what. What did he have to say after the match? Was it. Was it some kind of Portuguese equivalent of football? Bloody hell.

[Host]

I wonder what that is in Portuguese. Actually, I really got the translational. Um, he was talking. Yeah, look, he. He mentioned that he'd actually watched the. The 99 documentary for inspiration before. Before the game, which obviously focus and quote is from. And he was saying how, you know, you need these moments as a. As a team, as a club, and it helps players form bonds with each other. It helps forms connection with the fans, which, you know, has been damaged a little bit over the last few years at this club. You can just forget for a few minutes just how miserable the season has been. And he was saying as well that, you know, if anyone's in any doubt that the Europa League is the priority now. It was actually only last month he didn't view with TNT Sport before the Real Sociedad game where he said that he doesn't even think that winning the Europa League could save the season. Now I wonder if he still thinks that because I don't think anybody inside Old Trafford last night could really deny the power and the significance of that last couple of minutes of extra time. So this Europa League campaign now takes on an even greater significance, I think, than the one it had before. People were talking about it being the biggest game of United season. Well, now they've got at least two more of those to come.

[Matt Davis Adams]

And if the Europa League is pretty much the sole focus, I guess that means rest and rotation for the rest of the Premier League season, starting with Wolves coming to Old Trafford on Sunday.

[Host]

Yeah, I think, you know, hammering was quite clear last night that a lot of the players are tired, a lot of players are fatigued. And it was interesting to note that he mentioned that that might mean they have to potentially turn to the academy and turn to some of the kids and play the kids. And it's something that a lot of United fans have been calling for this season. The under 18s have had a couple of great years under Adam Lawrence, performing really well and obviously, you know, crisis, opportunity, all that sort of thing. They've wanted to see youngsters be given a chance and it sounds like we can expect to see that over the final weeks of the season. You saw 18 year old Harry Maas come in last night, played the last 20 minutes of extra time. He started against Newcastle as well. Chido Obi has had opportunities in the Premier League. He's not registered in Europe, so you can expect him to get more Premier League minutes down the stretch. And United are already in a situation where they're having to fill out the bench with youngsters. There was a. There's a few on there last night. Jack Morehouse, fielder, Jayden Camerson, Gogoni Kakonki. Sorry. And look, there might be other teams in the league who have an issue with that. And obviously United have a duty to the integrity of the league. I don't think it'll be a swathe of, you know, teenagers that are starting these games, but am is going to have to manage that carefully over the over the next few weeks, try to try and balance the two. It's difficult. You know, I sometimes question whether you can, you know, simply turn it off and turn it on. But that's the kind of predicament that United are in. And the academy model motto is you've covered success. And I guess he hopes that Carrington and the academy still has a part to play in turn this season into something of a success by the end of it.

[Matt Davis Adams]

We shall see. Well, you can get plenty more reaction from Old Trafford on the Athletics Manchester United podcast Talk of the Devils. But for now, Mark, thanks very much.

[Host]

Cheers.

[Matt Davis Adams]

We should also give a nod to Tottenham Hotspur overshadowed by Manchester United on Thursday night. Dominic Solanke's first half penalty kept spurs season alive as they beat Eintracht Frankfurt to reach the semi finals of the Europa League. Jay Harris was there for us and sent us this voice note with his reflections from Frankfurt.

[Jay Harris]

Everybody knew Tottenham's game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday evening was season defining and that there could be massive repercussions for Ange Postecoglou. When I landed at Frankfurt airport on Wednesday morning, one of the border control officers actually joked that every spurs fan he'd spoken to was really pessimistic about their chances of winning, but that's exactly what they managed to do. This was a really mature and disciplined performance across the two legs. They were defensively solid and that's not something. That's not a phrase we've used to describe spurs very often this season. Huge credit to Dominic Solanke. He hadn't scored in his last 11 appearances. He takes that penalty after Madison was wiped out by Frankfurt's goalkeeper and the noise inside the stadium was deafening. I couldn't even hear myself think how Solanke kept his call under pressure in that moment I'll never know. Now it falls on the shoulders of Dominic Solanke. 11 games without a goal. This for the lead in the tie.

[Dominic Solanke]

Dom Solanke of top and Hotspur makes.

[Jay Harris]

It one nil on the night, two one on aggregate. I think coming into the two legs there was a real question mark about who should start at left back. I think Jed Spence has been fantastic over the last few months, but it was destiny. A doggy who started both games and I have to say he was by far the man of the match yesterday evening. He was fantastic in and out of possession. Just to give you a sense of what this means for the spurs team full time, the coaching staff will jump on Postecoglou. Vicario runs over and joins them as well. Richarlison's running onto the pitch, Postecoglou goes over, gives Dominic Solanke a massive hug and then at the end of the game he walked down the tunnel with his arm wrapped around Maddison. This was massive. You could feel the release of all those emotions and you know Postecoglou can look forward now to the semi final against Bodo Glimps. You can sort of plot their path to that final in Bilbao on May 21. I think Postecogli feels quite vindicated. Everybody was asking questions about his long term future, but he's managed to pull off a massive result. He couldn't resist having a pop at the journalist in the room. His final line of the press conference.

[Dominic Solanke]

Was unfortunately for a lot of you.

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[Dominic Solanke]

With me for a little bit longer, mate.

[Jay Harris]

We'll see what happens over the rest of the season. But this was a fantastic result for spurs.

[Host]

Right?

[Matt Davis Adams]

How do you follow up that red hot Europa League action? By looking ahead to a huge matchup in the chase for a place in next season's Champions League in our featured game, Aston Villa vs Newcastle United.

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[Dominic Solanke]

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[Matt Davis Adams]

Joining me now are the Athletics Newcastle United writer Chris Woff and Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell and Newcastle and Villa, the Premier League's form teams. Chris, you've written on the Athletic today. Newcastle season's been built on their massively improved away form. What's behind that do you think?

[Chase Representative]

Yeah, I mean Newcastle's home form is almost identical actually regressed slightly on the past couple of seasons. Whereas last year the reason that they dropped from fourth position the it to finishing seventh was that the away form for large parts was was very poor. The only one six matches away from home, only 33.3% of the points came on the road. Whereas this year it was something which Newcastle knew they had to address that if they could continue the home form it would be picking up those extra points away that would get them there. They're already on eight wins. They've got a 50 win ratio which is the highest ever in the Premier League era. If they win one of them in three games and it'll be a joint Premier League record for them in terms of away victories. And I think that's come for a variety of reasons, one of which is the obvious of actually they weren't in Europe this year and so last year whereas their squad was stretched and they used the second highest number of players in the Premier League this year they've used the second fewest and they've been able to to have a largely settled side, certainly a settled defense as they did two years ago and having that core group of Players has really benefited them and also they've changed style slightly. They've actually been a bit more counter attacking. They have sat a little bit deeper and looked to really catch teams on the break. They've got the second highest number of chances created from sort of fast breaks. This. What they do is they have players like Anthony Gordon, Alexander, Isak Jacob Murphy who can really bomb forward and cause the opposition problems. And so I think Eddie Howe has both tweaked things tactically and also just the fact that Newcastle have had greater player availability means that that rather than the comforts of home, they've been able to transition some of that form onto the road as well.

[Matt Davis Adams]

And that's one of the things, Jacob, that makes this game so intriguing. Because at home Villa feel that they can be anyone, haven't lost in the league there since August 2024. What's in Imery done to make make them so difficult to beat a vil.

[Dominic Solanke]

Yeah, I think the eye test kind of belies the data because if you look actually the data is only a four points gap between Villa's home and away form. But when you look at how they play, Villa are just far more confident, far bolder at home. They've only lost like you say once at home and that was against Arsenal and arguably one of their best performances of the season. They missed a lot of chance in that game and they could have won that game. But Villa's home form has been a strength of Emery for the last couple of years. You remember last year they went on a record breaking run of 15 straight wins at home and it kind of was the foundation for them qualifying in the top four. If you look at how Villa play at home now, they're always wanting to impose themselves. Emery always uses the word protagonist because that's how he wants to play. And you see in these Champions League nights, these nights where Villa take big scalps, Villa park does get very, very loud for the big games. And Newcastle will be one of those games. Especially with the the history of of Jason Tindall and what happened on Boxing Day of Duran's red cards and how close these two teams seem to be in the last couple of years. It's going to be a ferocious atmosphere and I expect Villa to to go out and try and start very well.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Oh yeah, John Duran, remember him Chris? Newcastle moved up to third on Wednesday with that thumping win over over Palace. Was it as straightforward as the scoreline suggested?

[Chase Representative]

Yes, it was. Aside from var. Well, penalty that was that was awarded and then at that point that was a 1 nil. And if ever Chiese had scored rather than taking a contender for the worst penalty in the history of the Premier League after like a three pronged run up and then just pass Nick Pope then it may have been different at that stage. But Newcastle scored 98 seconds later and really actually second of the four zero up at halftime and second half they didn't really get out of second gear. So Newcastle scored nine and conceded only one of their two. In the two games this week they haven't even had Eddie how on the touch sign because he's recovering from pneumonia. So since Jason Tindall and Graham Jones the two assistants have taken charge Newcastle just continued the form that when previously had six straight wins in all competitions using the same 11 in each of those matches which I don't think a Premier League side has done across all competitions since 2016. Sunderland. So it's been a consistency in that selection that they are in very very good form. And yeah I mean Jacob mentioned and Jason Tindall there is the sort of irony that the first away game that he takes charge of with any how out is is going to to Villa park where yeah I suppose there were fireworks you could call it in the. In the tunnel at half time of the of the game. That's James's there in December. So that should be very tasty I imagine.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Yeah. Another subplot as if we needed any more narrative for this game. Villa also played midweek in it was close but not close enough 132 on the night but went out 54 on aggregate against Paris Saint Germain. Marcus Rashford was the standout player in the game for many Jacob. So how come Unai Emery substituted him?

[Dominic Solanke]

That was the the question afterwards. I think you can never be too harsh on on a manager when he somehow rallies a team that's 5:1 down an aggregate half time and he almost gets Villa back into it. But you're probably looking at Rashford. But I probably argue that the biggest substitution and the one that was more costly was the John McGinn one. If you saw Rashford, he was fantastic for those 15 minutes where Villa came back into it. But he then gradually went off to boil in the last 10 minutes he was on the pitch where John McGinn was the captain, the guy that got Villa back into things. And he was probably the one that they missed the most in terms of his energy. I think Rashford has shown when he is on it, Villa are on it. And that second half. Emery admitted afterwards that Villa have not reached Levels like that in his tenure. They were absolutely incredible. And they kind of probably ran out of steam in the those last 15 minutes when those two subs went off for Newcastle.

[Matt Davis Adams]

No Champions League football this season Chris. But they're placed in the top five is looking if not assured then very much in the offing. But could a second place finish be beyond them? Arsenal got distractions of their own now.

[Chase Representative]

I mean a few weeks ago you'd have said that was absolutely fanciful. And top five was very much the ambition and at some points even looked like it may be an outside ambition. But Newcastle's form has just been such that they have dragged themselves up then they are very much favorites now out of that group of from third down to sort of eighth as to who will finish in the top five. And in the position they're in now will be a significant disappointment if they didn't finish in that group. I mean certainly if they get a positive result of Villa park tomorrow then you'd struggle to see how Villa are going to close that gap in the remaining matches. And so now they're only four points behind Arsenal. As you mentioned. Arsenal have the potential distraction of the Champions League. Newcastle still have to go to the Emirates as well where historically they've got an appalling record. But did win there in the Carabao cup semi final. They were. They were brilliant. They. They've beaten Arsenal three times this season without conceding. It just feels like Newcastle have had a bit one over on Arteta. And also he's now it'd be different. Dynamic particularly. We don't know what the situation is going to be with Eddie Howe. But I do think that Newcastle can be looking up rather than worrying too much about what's over the shoulders. Now I see this ahead of the Villa game. If Newcastle were to go there and lose then things tighten up a little bit. But their superior goal difference. The fact that Chelsea seem to be in a stutter and run. You do feel that unless Newcastle collapse then they are looking like clear favorites to finish in that top five Premier.

[Matt Davis Adams]

League all the way for the Magpies then. Villa meanwhile still got an FA cup semi final to contend with. Securing Champions League football more important for the club's future though Jacob. I mean supporters want trophies don't they? But accountants like money.

[Dominic Solanke]

Exactly. And I think if you ask Sudaim, he's always been very consistent saying that the Premier League is the first priority. If you ask the guys off the. Off the field they will say the same in terms of Villa will will still be burdened by PSR and they'll still have to sell at some point but it will make life a little bit easier. They can keep a bigger squad, they can attract better players. But if you are a Villa fan and you watch the scenes of Newcastle's Carabao Cupwind they want that. They think this era deserves a trophy and this emery is to be rubber stamped by. By silverware. So you know if you ask them I think they've got a really good opportunity now to. To win the FA Cup. They feel that they're in. They're coming into their peak of the season. I think if you looked at the start of the season they were very average but they have had obviously a very strong transfer window in January and they felt that actually we can really peak in the last couple of of weeks of the season when a lot of the other teams are kind of stuttering like you've alluded to. And if you look at last year Villa kind of limped over the line when finishing top four where now they feel a much, much fresher. I think it's the first time this season they've got every single player available. So there's no reason why they can't attack all fronts and give everything in your FA cup game against Crystal palace next week and the Newcastle game a real big goat.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Newcastle obviously already got their trophy in the cabinet. Chris. Really impressive, isn't it? There's been absolutely no hangover from that league cup win. They've managed to keep the momentum going even with things like Eddie Howe not being on the touchline for them at the moment. That's. It's just so impressive.

[Chase Representative]

Yeah. I mean since Eddie Howe's come to Newcastle they have tended to finish seasons strongly. That's something that he is really instilled within them that tend to grow across the season. But there were definite question marks after winning the Carabao cup final as to whether that would, you know that the season would almost tail off because it's a historic year for Newcastle. It's the first domestic trophy they've won in 70 years. The first trophy of any form in 56. And. And they also had a sort of two week period where it was the national break. Then they came back and still had the sort of celebrations on the town. We were in the center of Newcastle and you didn't know whether that would inspire or almost. They just let that go. Their heads almost. But there are so many players within that group who are determined to get back to the Champions League believe they should be there like Alexander, Isak, Sandro, Tonali, Bruno Gimme Rice, and then also Eddie Howe himself obviously before his illness, but he was never going to relent. That's just not the way that he is. That basically said he took the evening off of the Carabao Cup Final not watching Newcastle Analysis and then the next day he had to because that's just how who and what he is. And so yeah, the players have managed to to to really get it in their groove. They are desperate to keep this run going. You can see the confidence there. You can see the enjoyment they've got in their football at the moment as well. Rather than feel pressure after that Cup Final, it almost feels like a release and they could go and enjoy the rest of the season. And now they've put themselves in a very, very strong position and even Eddie Howe not being there hasn't derailed them. And it's almost like now they are also playing for him. They want to, they want to do this for him and make sure that when he is back that his side are basically almost guaranteed Champions League football by that stage.

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[Matt Davis Adams]

So if we move on to the tactical battle between Newcastle and Villa. Eddie Howe's side took Villa apart in the reverse fixture. They won three nil on Boxing Day. Chris, how are Newcastle going to approach this one then? Is. Is midfield the key battle here?

[Chase Representative]

It is. I mean Newcastle in this sort of. Emery. I was going to say Henry Howe battles. I suppose it isn't this weekend the. The Emery Howe Tindall battles since. Since Emery's come in the first. The first match Newcastle went to Villa Park. Villa tore them apart and it was the really it was that Champions League season. It was the one time all season really that Newcastle were turned over by an opponent. But since then Newcastle have sort of had their number a little bit and. And tend to really exploit the high line that Villa often play. I mean they beat them 51 at St James's at the start of last season. They tend to score quite a few goals against them. They went to Villa last season as well. So Newcastle's midfield is arguably the most inform at the moment and possibly the most complete alongside probably Villas. You look at the sort of different elements that Newcastle have. Sandra Tonali has been absolutely exceptional and. And he's really. Since he's moved into the number six rule the back end of last year Newcastle have looked a different side because he just orchestrates on and off the ball. He's everywhere. He's more than just a typical number six and he just controls matches. Then Bruno Guimaraj is slightly high up the pitch. He's creating opportunities from there. And then Joel Linton is just like this man Mountain. All action everywhere gives them that physicality and the three of them dovetail really really well. And so if Newcastle can get there and win possession, break up play well with Villa and then use that. That I mentioned the fast breaks earlier on that Newcastle have used on the all season away from home. That's what they'll be looking to do with Villa Park. Certainly if Villa do play with their usual sort of high line and if they win the ball and then send the likes of Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak in behind that's when Newcastle will really look to exploit.

[Matt Davis Adams]

As for Villa, Jacob. They've had 24 hours extra rest but I guess they probably expended quite a lot more emotion in their game against PSG than than Newcastle did against Palace. Is there going to be much rotation from from Emory this weekend do you think? Maybe we see Ollie Watkins in from the off.

[Dominic Solanke]

Yeah, it wouldn't be a surprise at all. If you look at the last couple of league games, Villa have made eight changes each time because they've got such a big squad now obviously like I say, everyone's fit. They were bolstered in January and even though for example they when they beat Nottingham Forest a few weeks back they made eight changes for that game and it second string team. But you still had £50 million signing in. Amadou Nala coming in. You still had O. Watkins coming in. You still had £37 million Ian Matson coming in. So this is going to be a very strong team regardless. On Chris's point, I think the last couple of games, last three games actually Newcastle won by an aggregate score line of 11 2. And basically every goal Newcastle scored has been through them either overpowering Villa with their superior athleticism or through set plays as well. Well if you look at what Emy did against PSG and what he's done in a few big games is he'll add another midfielder in. So he'll add a. He'll make a box midfield. He might bring anana Tillemans, Kamara McGinn just to add another body in there. So I do expect there to be a few changes. But you do want to keep that core that played against PSG to fight against what's going to be a fantastic Newcastle midfield.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Newcastle's team probably a bit easier to predict. Chris. Jacob Murphy is going to be in there for sure. In the form of his life just now. In his past 18 Premier League games he's been involved in 17 goals scored. Eight, nine assists. What is it about Newcastle's style of play that allows him to thrive side?

[Chase Representative]

Yeah, I mean Jacob Murphy is sort of again absolute testament to the work that Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall and the coaching staff have done. Is that yes, Newcastle have signed a lot of players post takeover and they've been important. But Joel Linton is a player transformed. Fabian Share is still in very very good form. And then Jacob Murphy who was a laughingstock a few years ago, Newcastle kept loading them out. He couldn't get near the team. And he was one of those players who you thought is going to be shipped out quite quickly post takeover. But instead he stuck around. He was actually behind Miguel Almiron in the side for a lot for a large spell. But really I think it's almost been to get the best out of Alexander Isak is to get Jacob Murphy a right sided right winger. Right footed right winger which is rare in the Premier League nowadays. Usually you have inverted wingers but actually having someone who hogs the touchline and when he gets the ball, his job most of the time is just to get the ball in the box. I think within 30 seconds against palace he put a wonderful ball in which East X probably should have scored from. There's that connection that there is there. He's grown in confidence. He's a player who exasperates with the matches because he can just pass the ball. The opposition do something you think a Premier League player shouldn't do. But he also does cross the ball a heck of a lot. And because he has a very good cross on him. Newcastle are profiting from that and Newcastle are putting them in the position more often. And he's gained in confidence and now he's taken shots from distance. He scored a sublime goal against palace himself from. From a tight angle. So he has worked very hard on his game. He is not Newcastle's best player in terms of technically by any stretch of imagination. But he has profited from the confidence that's been shown him. And also the the really that the style that Newcastle try to get in the ball as often as possible in those wide positions and then build that relationship with Alexander Isak calls for him to be in the England squad. If he'd said that even six months ago, people would have rightly sort of gone. Why would that be the case? But at the moment the only player who's got more assists in the Premier League this season is more Salah. Since the start of December the only two players in the Premier League who have more goal involvements are more Salah and Alexander Isak. This is sustained very, very good form. And I'm not sure even Salah is in good form as a right winger at the moment in the Premier League. And that really does say how well he's played him. Well.

[Matt Davis Adams]

PSG had some joy against Villa in transition. So that'll be a danger I guess. Jacob for Villa at the weekend with Murphy, Isaac, even Harvey Barnes is in great form at the moment. I mean they could bring Anthony Gordon in as well.

[Dominic Solanke]

Yeah, definitely. I think one of the the big issues for Villa in that going into that second leg was the fact that they had to take more risks than they did in the first leg. Because PSG had that, you know, two Goal advantage. So naturally there was going to be more space. I don't think Villa will be quite as ambitious in how they press. If you looked at PSG's first two. Two goals in the first half in terms of. Onana almost wins the ball back in the 18 yard box. The ball gets turned over, they score down the other end. Rashford goes 1v1. He loses the ball, they score down the other end. I don't think Villa will be this open whenever Villa play Newcastle. Emery always talks about in his pre match press conference about rest, defense, which obviously is very interesting in terms of guarding against counterattacks. And he's very wary of that. If you saw that 51 defeat last year, Villa's high line was staggering really. It was naively high. They're not going this time. I think they've reduced it quite noticeably in the last couple of months. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Villa just kind of be quite passive really and let Newcastle defenders have the ball. Because you know if they can keep the play in front of them, it's better than having to get into a foot race with. With these midfielders and front three which are probably more athletic and stronger than them. So it's going to be very interesting what Emery does every game. As we know, he. He tweaks the system. He tweaks how Villa approach things. And that's why that they can be quite unpredictable in a good way in recent times.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Give me a prediction then Jacob. What's the score going to be on Saturday?

[Dominic Solanke]

I think Villa are due to be Newcastle. So I'll go three one Villa.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Chris, I suspect that you think it might be something different.

[Chase Representative]

Yeah. I don't usually like to sit on the fence in these things but because both sides are in such good form, I actually think they might cancel each other out a bit. I do think there'll be goals. I'm going to go for twos each.

[Matt Davis Adams]

All right. Sounds like fun.

[Chase Representative]

Which would be Newcastle's first draw I think in the Premier League since the start of December. Newcastle don't draw games, so that would be a rarity.

[Matt Davis Adams]

All right. Well that will do for Villa vs Newcastle. When we come back we'll have a quick chat about what else is happening in terms of the Champions League chases. And of course there are plenty of other sides looking to break into the top five. It's Forest City and Chelsea, isn't it? Any of those teams particularly concern you, Jacob? From a Villa perspective?

[Dominic Solanke]

Do I always worry about Man City? You do feel like they're they're kind of shifting into this new phase already with the signings they made in in January and obviously the Crystal palace game last week where they obviously came back after, you know, being two goals down. They look a lot more energetic, a little bit more youthful. So you obviously have to worry about them. Chelsea just look like a team that. There's just constant tension there with the manager and there's a clashing ideology with how Maresca wants to play and the fans want to play. And if I was Forest. I know you're a Forest fan, Matt. I think they are kind of almost in a way st over the line similar to what Villa did last year. Because it's their first time in that top four race, top five race. They've obviously had a lot of pressure. They've been up there. They've been the ones that everyone's been trying to chase. It's just about getting over the line now. So I think Villa and Newcastle have their sights on them.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Chris, I guess you'll say that you've seen Newcastle deal with Forest pretty comprehensively twice this season. Probably what's in Forest favor is that they're running looks relatively kind. They go to spurs on Monday night. They got Brentford at home. They still got to go to West Ham, still play Leicester at home. And then Chelsea on the last day. So. So maybe they could be a bit of a threat to Newcastle. He asked hopefully.

[Chase Representative]

But potentially, I mean, Newcastle don't have a massively easy run and certainly away from home they're good. Obviously Villa, they've also got to go to Arsenal. They've got to go to Brighton, which is a ground that they haven't done particularly well at in recent years. And Newcastle have difficult away games to come. But they host Chelsea. They host Ipswich. Given the position Newcastle have already put themselves in, you'd like to think that of the sort of three remaining home games, they're probably going to win at least two of them, you would like to think. And if they do that, that should be enough for them. So as I said earlier, I think Newcastle can be looking up, but they can't sort of take the fourth of go. Certainly if they lose Villa suddenly maybe the nerves start to get to them a little bit and you know, sides are coming from below. But if they. If they can respond and beat Ipswich next weekend, I think if Newcastle can get four points certainly from the next two games, they're almost there. So I don't think they'll be too concerned about this. They just need to keep doing what they're doing. They've put themselves in such a strong position that it's in their hands and rather than worry about others, just make sure in probably three of the last games and they should be there.

[Matt Davis Adams]

Well, elsewhere Manchester City go to Everton on Saturday and Chelsea make the short hop across West London to take on Fulham that after their embarrassing second leg defeat against Legia in the Conference League. That is where we will leave it today on the Athletic FC which will be back on Monday. Many thanks to Jacob and to Chris and to Mark and to Jay for joining us earlier. Enjoy the football this weekend. For now it's goodbye.

[Dominic Solanke]

You've been listening to the Athletic FC podcast.

[Matt Davis Adams]

The producers were Guy Clark, Mike Stavrou and Jay Beal. The executive producer was Ailey Moorhead.

[Dominic Solanke]

To listen to other great athletic podcasts for free, Search for the Athletic on Apple, Spotify and all the usual places. The Athletic FC podcast is an athletic media company production.

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The Athletic FC Podcast.

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