Newcastle United

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Newcastle United have announced they will be travelling to Japan to play two friendlies over the summer.

The Magpies will fly to Tokyo and will play Uwara Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday 31st July before facing Yokohama F.Marinos at the Japan National Stadium on Saturday 3rd August.

Speaking to the club's official website Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: "We are pleased to be visiting Japan this summer. It's an amazing country and it will be a unique experience for our players, staff and supporters.

"We will be taking on two strong teams at two special stadiums, and I'm sure they will present the type of physical tests we need at that time as we build towards next season."

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It has been an injury-plagued season for Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, but he says everyone has "just got on with it" and "stepped up" in the absence of key players.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope has been out since December with a shoulder injury. Midfielder Joelinton and striker Callum Wilson have also been missing for extended periods.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles and fellow centre-back Sven Botman are also ruled out long-term after suffering anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

This is on top of the general knocks and illnesses within the team.

"We have been challenged," said Howe before he takes his side to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Wednesday. "But they have just got on with it and done their best.

"We will now try to do our best to finish as high as possible."

The Magpies' European qualification hopes were boosted by the return of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron against Brighton at the weekend, but Howe is cautious of not rushing them back too soon.

"It is nice to have those options," he added. "But I need to look at them individually. I cannot lump them together because they have both had different injuries.

"It is really good to be in the position to make attacking changes with those who have undoubted qualities.

"But we are still limited on numbers so anyone who is fit is basically on the bench."

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game at Manchester United (20:00 BST kick-off).

Here are the key lines from the Newcastle United boss:

• Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have not been in training, so they will be assessed on Tuesday should they return. On Isak, Howe said: "He wasn’t feeling 100% and we knew on Friday that he was slightly under the weather."

• On whether Joelinton, who returned from injury against Brighton, will play a key role: "His was a serious injury and required an operation, so I need to ensure he is the Joelinton we know and not someone who is trying to find his rhythm with two games to go. That would be foolish of me."

• He said Wednesday's game against Manchester United "is massive for both clubs", but added that his side are "desperate" to qualify for Europe.

• Qualification "in whatever form is a driving force" for them now because they "need to be there as a football club".

• On the Magpies' and Manchester United's injury woes this season: "It is at the end of a long season for both clubs, but we back all of our squad. We have had injuries all season but the players have stood up."

• He said "the mix of quality on the bench is better" now that players are returning from injury, but they remain "limited on numbers".

• On Manchester United and what he expects from the game: "It will be tough - when you look at their record at home, they have been competitive. You never underestimate the challenge of going to Old Trafford."

• Despite already beating Erik ten Hag's side 3-0 away from home in the Carabao Cup this season, "it is a new challenge" and they cannot rely on the outcome of that game.

Follow Tuesday's other Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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The Premier League title now cannot be decided until the final day of the season but one or two other issues could be settled in midweek.

Aston Villa can clinch the fourth and final Champions League place if they beat Liverpool on Monday.

If they draw, they’ll be sure of fourth place if Tottenham fail to win against Manchester City on Tuesday.

If they lose, they’ll be sure of fourth place if Tottenham lose on Tuesday.

In all other scenarios, it goes to the final day.

Whatever their situation with Villa, Tottenham can ensure a top-five finish (so Europa League at worst) if they avoid defeat against Man City on Tuesday.

If they lose to City, Spurs could still clinch fifth place before their final game if Newcastle AND Chelsea both fail to win on Wednesday.

Newcastle and Chelsea know that whatever they do on Wednesday, they cannot be absolutely sure of European football until the final round of fixtures. However, goal difference means that should Newcastle beat Man Utd, and Chelsea lose at Brighton, it would take a minimum 12-goal swing on the final day for the Magpies to be deprived of sixth place.

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

Graham asked: Who should Eddie Howe sell to get funds for Newcastle in the summer? I think Trippier, Wilson, Longstaff and Almiron should go.

Phil answered: Tough decisions ahead in this regard, Graham, but they must build a wall around Anthony Gordon and Aleksandar Isak. Same with Bruno Guimaraes, unless they get that £100m offer towards the end of June that would activate a release clause.

As for who to sell, I think Callum Wilson is an obvious contender given his age and injury record, while Miguel Almiron could be considered if a decent offer comes in.

Newcastle do have to bring money in so that might make Sean Longstaff vulnerable, especially with Sandro Tonali coming back from his suspension.

I would hesitate to sell Kieran Trippier purely because of his versatility and leadership qualities – but money does talk.

We asked for your views on Saturday's match between Newcastle and Brighton.

Here are some of your answers:

Newcastle fans

John: It seems that Newcastle are unable to play well for 90 minutes. It's either a good first half and a bad second half or the other way round. Too many look like they've run out of steam. At least some bodies are starting to reappear but they're short of match fitness.

Joe: I hope Almiron has played his last game for NUFC - why you'd dive in that situation is beyond me. Could cost us Europe.

Richard: One of those games where you know you ought to have won it but the ball just wouldn't go in the back of the net. I'm not sure I'd even say we were slow or off the pace - it was just not going to happen. I can't fault the effort of the team as they tried but Brighton just held firm, alas. You'll get games like this and at least Europe is still possible.

Brighton fans

Rosie: Shame to see our extremely faint European hopes completely disappear, but at least we can take comfort in knowing that we have ended the season with some sort of pride.

Noddy: If we had a fully-fit squad we would have been top four easily. Both teams suffered injuries and both coped well. Was a game there for the taking by either team. Ref even had a good game. Both pen shouts were both dives and rightly yellowed. Enciso could and should have finished the game first half with the chances he had. Improvement all round.

Bob: A good result, played with a bit more nous. Scrappy but still had our chances. Newcastle struggled to break down our defence and a point was a fair result.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.

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

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games on Match of the Day 2 here.

Also, listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham United v Luton Town

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea

Liverpool are interested in 23-year-old Newcastle United and England winger Anthony Gordon. (Star), external

Any deal for Gordon could scupper Arsenal's hopes of signing Newcastle's 24-year-old Sweden striker Alexander Isak this summer. (Express), external

Meanwhile, the Magpies are favourites to sign 26-year-old English defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, when his Fulham contract expires this summer. (Mail), external

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

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Eddie Howe believes Newcastle's draw with a determined Brighton could yet prove a valuable point, but his side cannot afford to make any mistakes from here in their pursuit of European football.

Requiring Tottenham to lose both their remaining two games to have any chance of stealing fifth spot, Newcastle must focus their attention on keeping hold of sixth - which could yet offer Europa League football if Manchester City win the FA Cup later this month.

Their penultimate fixture, a trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday to face Manchester United, now becomes a massive game.

Manchester United, and Chelsea, could both end the weekend level on points with Newcastle, who are almost certainly guaranteed to remain sixth by virtue of their superior goal difference.

While the hosts matched the energy of the crowd, Alexander Isak found clear-cut opportunities hard to come by on Saturday - and Howe will hope the Sweden forward can be reunited with the absent Callum Wilson for the final push to help the Magpies over the line.

Eddie Howe spoke to BBC Sport after Newcastle's draw with Brighton: "Tough game, we knew it would be, Brighton are always difficult opponents.

"I don't think we hit the heights we needed to win it but, if anyone was going to, I thought it would be us.

"Poor goal [to concede] from us, we did start well, we were progressive and out of nothing they take the lead. I'm just disappointed with our product around the box and there probably weren't enough clear-cut chances.

"Without a doubt the scene, the environment created by the supporters [has contributed to good home record]. Even when Brighton scored they got right behind the team but we just couldn't find that winning goal. They have made this place a really difficult place to play. This season the crowd have taken it to another level.

"If you're not going to win the game, the draw for us is really important. I think it could be a valuable point for us."

• Newcastle United are now unbeaten across their past three Premier League matches against Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James’ Park (W2 D1) after going winless against the Seagulls in their first four, failing to score in any of those games.

• Newcastle United remain unbeaten at St. James’ Park in the Premier League since the start of February (W4 D4), with today’s point being the ninth they’ve rescued from a losing position at home in that time, the second most of any team over that period (Tottenham Hotspur – 12).

• Joel Veltman’s goal was the first scored by a Dutch player in a Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion, with the Netherlands the 11th different nation to have had a goalscorer in this fixture.

• Newcastle United have now scored at least one goal in all 19 of their Premier League home games this season, the first time they’ve achieved that feat in the Premier League era – they’d previously scored in 18 of their 19 home games in the 1995/96, 1996/97 and 2002/03 campaigns and 20/21 in 1994-95.

• Alexander Isak played in his 50th Premier League match for Newcastle United, however, he failed to score for the first time in eight league matches at St.James’ Park, having scored in each of his past seven previously.

Newcastle dropped points in their pursuit of European football as Brighton spoiled their final home match of the Premier League season by earning a draw at St James’ Park.

Sean Longstaff cancelled out Joel Veltman's opener on the stroke of half-time to ensure Newcastle scored in every one of their home league fixtures in a top-flight season for the first time since 1958-59.

Welcomed to the pitch by an impressive pre-match flag display from the home support, Newcastle dominated the early stages - and much of the game from there.

But it was the visitors, offering a threat on the counter, who took an 18th-minute lead when Veltman struck at close range after Newcastle failed to clear a corner.

Newcastle were rewarded for their persistence when Longstaff steered in from Elliot Anderson’s cut-back, following great work by the always-lively Anthony Gordon.

However, with Gordon's late finish ruled out for offside, Eddie Howe’s side failed to find a winner in the second half to leave their hopes of qualifying for some form of European football in the balance.

After fifth-placed Tottenham moved six points clear with victory over Burnley, Newcastle must now watch as Chelsea and Manchester United aim to move level on points with them when they play later this weekend.

Were you at the ground or following along from home?

Newcastle fans, give us your thoughts on the game.

Tell us what you made of the performance, Albion supporters.

Follow all the reaction here

There are eight Premier League games taking place today, and you can stay updated with all of them via our live page.

Keep up with all the action and reaction here.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kasabian frontman Serge Pizzorno.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

I watched Newcastle at Turf Moor last week and their twin-pronged attack of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak took Burnley apart.

Wilson was phenomenal on the day and Isak has been excellent all season, while Anthony Gordon looked sharp for the Magpies too, and Bruno Guimaraes was running midfield.

It was important for Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi that his side got back to winning ways against Aston Villa, but it is hard to see them getting anything here.

I always felt that finishing the season strongly was a really big deal for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, and his side are flying at the moment.

Serge's prediction: 3-1

Newcastle are going to give their fans a nice send-off. Brighton have found out how difficult it is to stay in the top six - we found out the same, because that extra game in Europe each week can be brutal.

Read all of the predictions here

Can Newcastle pip Tottenham to a fifth-place finish?

Sports broadcaster Andy Sixsmith believes "they are there to be caught" following their recent form and that in itself would be "unbelievable" after the injury-hit season the Magpies have had.

Listen to the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's game against Brighton in the Premier League.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Kieran Trippier is getting closer to matchday contention after training this week, but the defender will need to be assessed ahead of his potential involvement tomorrow. Fabian Schar will not be available, but he could be back next week.

• Joelinton and Miguel Almiron have "trained well" this week and got "some good work into their bodies", but both players are still "building their robustness" which they need to stay fit.

• On facing Brighton: "They are a very good team. Roberto has done an amazing job and Graham [Potter] was also hugely impressive. Their style is difficult to grab hold of and control. They stick to their method and they have become very strong at it."

• Reflecting on the reverse fixture, which saw Newcastle suffer a 3-1 defeat, Howe added: "If you don't get the tactical framework right, you're in for a very difficult afternoon. We didn't quite get that right at Amex Stadium - I think we were off it, physically and tactically. So we hope for a better delivery tomorrow."

• He knows the Magpies still have "three very dangerous games" standing between them and securing European football for next season: "I think it is going to be tough, but I think what we are going to try to do is win every game we have left."

• The boss added: "Definitely, a few weeks or months ago, we would have taken this position. Now we have three games in a massive week for us. I think it will go down to the wire, but we back ourselves if we're in our best place."

• Howe thanked fans after recording 12 wins from 18 home games in the Premier League this season: "We've loved playing at home this year. The feeling has been really good for us. The crowd always make a really good environment. I don't have any complaints about our home form, so a big thank you to the home support."

• He praised Alexander Isak for his 'young player of the season' and 'player of the season' nominations: "He is fully deserving of that recognition. I have seen him flourish this season and he has enjoyed the environment he's played in. I want to push Alex to great things."

• On Anthony Gordon not being shortlisted for any awards: "I don't pay too much attention to these things. I haven't spoken to Anthony about it. I think he's just got to focus on performing well. He's been outstanding for me this season, so if he's not in the mix for any type of awards - I would be surprised."

Follow the rest of Friday's Premier League news conferences

How has Anthony Gordon not been nominated for the Premier League's Young Player of the Year?

The forward, who has registered 10 goals and 10 assists for Newcastle this season, and has a strong chance of an England call-up for this summer's European Championships, has missed out on the shortlist for the award.

"I can not understand it," said BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck on their Total Sport Podcast. "How he has not been nominated is an absolute mystery.

"For me, he has been Newcastle's Player of the Season. When I saw the list for the Young Player award, I thought he must be on the list for overall player. But he is on neither.

"There will be many Newcastle fans that will feel he has been robbed! More so than overlooked.

"He must have been close?"

Broadcast Journalist Andy Sixsmith replied: "It is a shocker not to see him on there because he has had such a brilliant season.

"He will naturally be gutted, but he is the sort of person that will brush it off and use it to prove them wrong next season."

Gordon's team-mate Alexander Isak has however been nominated for both the player of the season- and young player of the season honours, after scoring 20 goals in 23 Premier League games.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds