Newcastle United

Here are the key facts and figures following Saturday’s game between Newcastle United and Sheffield United in the Premier League.

• The Blades have now suffered their ninth top-flight relegation, which is as many as local rivals Sheffield Wednesday who have also been relegated nine times. Only five teams have suffered the drop from the top division of English football on more occasions: Birmingham City (12), Leicester City (12), West Bromwich (11), Bolton (10) and Manchester City (10).

• Newcastle have scored 13 Premier League goals against Sheffield United this season, which is the most one team has scored against another team in a single campaign in the competition's history.

• Alexander Isak has scored 19 Premier League goals this season, the most by any Newcastle player in a single top-flight campaign since Alan Shearer in 2003-04 (22 goals). He has also scored in each of his past seven Premier League games at St James’ Park, with only Andrew Cole (8 in 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (15 in 1996-97) netting in more consecutive home appearances for the Magpies in the competition.

• Sheffield United have conceded 97 goals in their 35 Premier League games this season, with only Swindon Town (100 goals in 42 games in 1993-94) conceding more in an entire campaign in the competition's history.

• Anthony Gordon has been directly involved in 16 Premier League goals at St James’ Park this season (9 goals, 7 assists), with only Cole Palmer registering more home goal involvements in the competition this term (17).

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the triumphant win: "Half-time was a big moment for us, because we had to regroup. It was a difficult first half because I thought Sheffield United played well. They were fighting for their lives - we knew that they would come here and have a right go.

"It was a much improved second half display and, in the end, we fully deserved the win. We scored at a good time [in the second half] and were devastating at times.

"He [Bruno Guimaraes] is very much part of my plans [for next season]. We have to showcase what we can offer him as a football club and hope that is enough to keep him.

"Bruno is a special talent and he scored a big goal today. Hopefully he stays with us for many years."

On the battle to secure European football for next season: "It would be a great achievement for us. I am very keen to build and maintain the momentum we have had in recent years.

"Last season was a huge achievement to get Champions League football.

"This season has been difficult with injuries, so if the players are able to achieve that [qualification for European football], I think it will be outstanding."

Image source, Getty Images

If Newcastle fans were expecting the Magpies to hit the ground running after Wednesday's limp defeat to Crystal Palace, they were left disappointed.

Eddie Howe's team are looking to secure European football for the second season in succession but started Saturday's game as if they had little to play for - and Sheffield United took full advantage when Anel Ahmedhodzic opened the scoring.

The Blades carved out numerous opportunities to add to their early lead and continued to play on the front foot after Alexander Isak had levelled for the Magpies midway through the first half.

However, Newcastle finally took control after Bruno Guimaraes had put them ahead early in the second and could have added to the scoreline after Callum Wilson had come off the bench to score his first goal since October.

Newcastle have scored 13 league goals against the Sheffield United this season - the most one team has registered against another in a single Premier League campaign.

Isak, who continued his fine form with a double against the Blades, has now found the net in his past seven appearances at St James' Park - only Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer have enjoyed longer streaks for the club.

Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has been speaking to Premier League Productions following the big victory: "I am very happy. It was important for us to stay in the race for Europe.

"We got off to quite a bad start and needed one goal against us to wake up. The reaction was very good. The manager gave us a wake-up call at half-time.

"Many of my penalties have been here at home. I tried to stay calm and focus on the moment. I was thinking I want a hat-trick. I haven't had one [yet].

"Europe is still alive. We have to focus on ourselves and we will see how it goes."

Sheffield United's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed as Newcastle recovered from a sluggish start to thrash Chris Wilder's side at St James' Park.

Anel Ahmedhodzic gave the visitors a deserved early lead, nodding home Gustavo Hamer's in-swinging cross from close range.

The Blades carved out several opportunities to double their advantage, as Newcastle struggled to gain a grip on proceedings, but the home side were level when Alexander Isak drilled home from Jacob Murphy's pass in the 26th minute.

Ben Brereton Diaz had a goal-bound shot blocked by Dan Burn and Mason Holgate headed against the woodwork on the half-hour mark, but the visitors fell behind early in the second half when Bruno Guimaraes steered Lewis Hall's delivery into the far corner.

Isak registered his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot, after Anthony Gordon was brought down by Holgate, before the unfortunate Ben Osborn bundled into his own net for Newcastle's fourth and Callum Wilson came off the bench to score his first top-flight goal since October.

Sheffield United were awarded a late penalty, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee who ruled Magpies substitute Alex Murphy had won the ball in a challenge on Jayden Bogle.

The defeat leaves the Blades 10 points adrift of safety with only three games remaining, while Newcastle stay seventh and are well placed to secure a spot in Europe next season.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Newcastle fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Sheffield United fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on Andy Bell and Steve Queralt from Ride, who support Arsenal and Tottenham.

Sutton's predictions: 3-1

Sheffield United will be relegated if they lose this game but it is going to happen sooner or later even if they avoid defeat.

The Blades have lacked quality in all areas but they have known they are going down for a while now, and the important thing for them is how they regroup for next season.

Newcastle put eight goals past them at Bramall Lane in September and I am pretty sure they will cut through them pretty easily this time too. I am going to give Sheffield United a goal, but that is all they will get.

Steve's prediction: 3-0

A relatively routine home win. Sheffield United might put up a decent fight but Newcastle will be too strong for them. 3-0

Andy's prediction: 3-0

That's exactly what I have put too.

Read the rest of their predictions here

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and we will bring you every moment.

Follow live text updates and listen online here

BBC Radio 5 Live commentaries:

Manchester United v Burnley - Listen on BBC Sounds from 15:00

Everton v Brentford - Listen on BBC Sounds from 17:30

Image source, Getty Images

As the summer transfer window fast approaches, NUFC Blogcast podcaster Ed Gray has been discussing potential incomings and outgoings on the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast: "I have no idea who is coming in. There are so many names mentioned it almost isn't worth speculating.

"What we need is a right-winger. We needed one last summer and didn't get one so we need one of those. I think Miguel Almiron could be off, I think Callum Wilson could be off and there are other players that look like they need to be shifted. We still have Isaac Hayden on the books somehow. Martin Dubravka could be going. It could be a huge summer.

"We need two centre-backs at least. We need another central midfielder and we have been linked with a number six, a right winger and a striker.

"It looks like we are looking in Europe and trying to find another Bruno Guimaraes for £35m who is then worth £120m."

BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck added: "They need to bring in four, five or six players again and that is without losing anybody.

"Some players will go at the end of their contracts and there may be some sales. Almiron was linked with a move away in January, but they have to trade well and they have to sell well. Dan Ashworth mentioned it in interviews before he left that Newcastle have not been able to sell well.

"There could well be some departures. Of course, the players that bring in the most money are the ones they would not want to lose like Alexander Isak and Bruno. We can all feel it now that this summer from the outside of Newcastle in the media is going to be dominated by speculation about their futures - and it has already started."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown his thoughts on current players hosting podcasts after West Ham's Michail Antonio accused Manchester United legend Roy Keane of having a "dinosaur mentality" for his views on the subject.

Pundit Keane told the Stick To Football, external podcast he believes the platform can be a "distraction" for players, "particularly if you’re on the back of a defeat".

Antonio co-hosts the Footballer's Football Podcast with Fulham captain Tom Cairney who replaced Newcastle striker Callum Wilson earlier in the role.

They are among sever high-profile current players to have ventured into podcasts, including Leeds striker Patrick Bamford who co-hosts My Mate's A Footballer with comedian Joe Wilkinson.

Brown's thoughts on this debate:

Players being on podcasts? It’s the world we live in. I understand the point regarding why the players are talking and what they’re talking about. We’re encouraged to be open-minded; we’re encouraged to come out and speak about things. Problems, positive things.

But I still think if edited correctly those talking points could actually be controlled. That is the key for me. If it is going to be done, it has just got to be watched over. There is fun and enjoyment, but it is not to be taken the wrong way, not to affect any performances or clubs coming your way or even your own club.

Unfortunately, it is not just Michail Antonio on a podcast, there are so many. Big players are into podcasts now and it’s not going away.

The point is not that it is a distraction. What brings it on you is when you’re quoted wrong or you have been discussing the wrong topic.

It is fine if you can do it and not have any of those problems – for instance if you are playing against another team and you said last weekend their striker has not been very good or the centre-back’s performances are not at a high level.

My point is the control and the management of the stories on the podcasts. It is fine to be done but they have to be managed correctly because any little thing can be spun when talking on an opponent or being critical of other players.

If you say, ‘well he’s just not scoring’ someone will come back and say, ‘you’re talking about him but you’re not putting the ball in the back of the net’.

The other point here is the reaction on social media, so you’ve just got to be spot on with it when you have your topics.

It is not going away - we want to hear them. Podcasts are here to stay.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

NUFC Blogcast podcaster Ed Gray has been speaking to the Total Sport Newcastle United podcast about the Magpies' upcoming fixtures and race for Europe: "At the end of last season we went on that great run where we forced our way into the top four and ultimately got it.

"But I think it has felt [inconsistent] this season. When we think we are getting on a run – we had something like 10 points in five games – but it was a great opportunity to add to that against Crystal Palace.

"We still have three away games left in the last five and, even though they may be considered favourable fixtures, you worry about our away form and the consistency."

BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck added: "Newcastle need to win [against Sheffield United]. They need to win.

"They have Burnley coming up in May, they have Brighton, a Manchester United match which could be crucial and then Brentford away on the final day of the season.

"Being on 50 points, what do they need from those matches to get into Europe? I would say at least 60 to have a chance. They can only get as high as 65 and they might need to win at Old Trafford because United are three points above them - but Newcastle have a vastly superior goal difference.

"I think they will beat Sheffield United - that isn't a particularly surprising take - but they are going to have to. We are just going to have to hope it goes well and then they can build on that. They have just come off one good run... they are going to have to go on another one now."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sheffield United.

Here are the key lines from the Newcastle boss:

• It will be a late decision on whether full-back Tino Livramento can play on Saturday due to "a slight reaction in his ankle" from the Tottenham game.

• Goalkeeper Nick Pope is "getting closer" to a matchday return and Miguel Almiron is expected back next week.

• On Callum Wilson's return against Crystal Palace: "I thought he looked good and worked well with the lads around him. He had a couple of dangerous moments, that was a positive from Wednesday."

• He said the defeat to Palace "was disappointing" and their "first dip in a while" after some strong performances.

• On struggling to find consistency this season: "It is a season where we have learned a lot and we will be in a much better place next year. It will set a marker in how we want to play and use that as a foundation for next year."

• He described opponents Sheffield United as "competitive" with "their progressive formation being their biggest strength".

• He said all the teams around Newcastle are "searching for a formula and momentum lift" as the battle for a European spot continues.

• On Matt Ritchie passing his HGV test: "It is a bizarre one! That shocked me and I thought I knew him pretty well. It shows his inquisitive nature."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences live

Image source, Getty Images

In an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap, external, Anthony Gordon revealed how meditation helps him to cope with the pressure of playing football. He also talked about how seeing Liverpool's Mohamed Salah talk about visualisation helped him take more interest in it.

"Meditating is more of a coping mechanism to help with pressures of playing and just allows me to react from a higher place than my own emotions as playing emotionally doesn’t help me," said Gorddon.

"My preparation starts two days before the game. I do a lot of meditation and visualisation, so if a chance comes to me in the game, its like I already lived it. It helps me trust in my ability, so when the opportunity comes in the game I don’t overthink it.

"My confidence comes from my preparation. I don’t know where it comes from as no one around me is like that, I love learning stuff and I took a liking to psychology. Some footballers like to play instinctively, but I love the mindset of getting myself into that space before getting into that position. I have seen seen [Mohamed] Salah talk about it and that’s where I took more of a interest in it, as he is a machine and a winner and you wouldn’t go wrong following what he does."

Here is a selection of the key facts and figures before Newcastle United host Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 BST kick-off).

• Newcastle have won seven of their past eight league games against Sheffield United, with the exception being a 1-0 away loss in the Premier League in January 2021.

• The Magpies beat Sheffield United 8-0 in the reverse fixture at Bramall Lane – the most goals they have scored against an opponent in a Premier League campaign is 10, doing so against Sheffield Wednesday in 1999-00.

• The Blades have lost 16 of their past 18 Premier League away games played on a Saturday, though the two exceptions have been in their past three such matches (3-1 v Luton Town and 2-2 v Bournemouth).

• Alexander Isak has scored in his past six Premier League home games, with only Andy Cole (eight in 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (15 in 1996-97) netting in more consecutively for Newcastle in the competition.

• Newcastle have scored in all 17 of their league home games this season, with their 43 goals their most at St James' Park in a top-flight campaign since 1996-97 (54).

Arsenal and Manchester City have been made aware that Newcastle United will listen to offers in excess of £80m for 26-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer. (90min), external

Guimaraes' £100m release clause will only be active for one month, from late May to late June. (Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside), external

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman is on Newcastle United's shortlist to become their new sporting director. (Mail), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

We asked for your views on Crystal Palace's 2-0 win over Newcastle on Wednesday.

Here are some of your answers:

Crystal Palace fans

Alan: Another fantastic performance by the team. Oliver Glasner is showing his quality as a coach. The players are putting in a full shift and playing to the best of their ability, and tactically we are spot on with pressing, movement and passing.

Tomtresco: Glasner has completely changed the mindset and style of playing. Had we had him at the start of the season, then we would be looking at a top-six club. I cannot fault the team with the way they are playing.

Steve: The last three games have been an absolute pleasure to watch. Glasner has got them playing with freedom. With Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise fit, and the addition of Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz, they are now a force to be reckoned with.

Martin: Brilliant from Palace. Front foot and high energy which is different to earlier in the season. Will Hughes is a revelation. It is just such a shame we have not seen Olise and Eze together all season.

Gavin: Palace fans are now deservedly in dreamland having won their past three games against teams in the top eight. Glasner is slowly imprinting his style of play and the team are adapting to a front-foot attacking style that the players are certainly buying into. It is great to see a Palace team seeking to be offensive and entertaining. Five-star show!

Newcastle fans

Simon: Well that was embarrassing. How is it we can beat Fulham and Tottenham with great open free-flowing football, but lose to Crystal Palace Iooking like a Sunday league team? I just don't get it and Man Utd have got a grip of sixth. I can't see us finishing with Europe in our pocket if we play like that!

Johno: Never in the game. Dismal effort.

Tom: Abysmal performance. If I was Eddie Howe, I would be ripping into that squad today. The midfield was totally inefficient. Far too weak. We were unable to string two passes together. Poor performance from [Harvey] Barnes, [Sean] Longstaff and [Jacob] Murphy. I am not sure what sort of incentive these players need. European football is there for the taking.

Johnny: So disappointed! European chance was there and we were beaten all over the park! Can we hold onto Bruno [Guimaraes] and [Alexander] Isak? I doubt it now?

Barry: Extremely poor display with only two shots on goal in 90 minutes. No point in agonising about Europe - with performances like tonight, they simply don’t deserve it.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Wednesday night's four Premier League fixtures as well as the goals from Tuesday's game.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Newcastle United are leading the race to sign 20-year-old Sporting Lisbon and Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande, who has a release clause of 80m euros (£68.7m). (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

The Magpies are interested in signing 24-year-old England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea this summer, but Tottenham seem well placed to seal the deal. (Football Insider), external

Newcastle are also keen on 28-year-old Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, with Arsenal also linked with the Frenchman . (L'Equipe - in French), external

Finally, the club are set to sign 19-year-old Chelsea academy graduate and England Under-21 defender Lewis Hall on a permanent deal in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes that the 11 day gap between the Magpies' win over Tottenham and their defeat by Crystal Palace could have played a part in their performance.

Howe said he thought his side looked "rusty" and was disappointed in his side who had just two shots on target in the second half.

"We worked during the gap to not have an adverse performance. Its not an excuse," he said.

"Maybe the gap did hamper us, we looked rusty in aspects of our game.

"We gave the ball away too much, we looked reluctant to shoot around their goal which baffled me."

Newcastle had been in good form coming into the game, picking up 10 points from their previous three matches.

They are still on the hunt for European football and Howe said he has spoken to his side about how important it will be to pick up points away from home.