Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says his side has had issues with confidence during a tough run of form but has backed them to continue their winning ways against Ipswich.
Howe’s side beat Leicester 4-0 last weekend and followed that up with a 3-1 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final in midweek.
Before that the Magpies had gone four matches without a win but Howe is ready to see more points – and goals – over the Christmas period.
He said: “We’re human beings and I think there has been – a slight at times in certain games – confidence issues.
“But I think you’ve seen a really good feeling within the team in the last two performances. I’d probably say three out of the last four have been really strong, as strong as we’ve seen this season.
“Hopefully that’s a good sign. I think we’re scoring goals again, which is such a confidence builder.
Looking to continue our momentum. 👊 pic.twitter.com/UUXpOEyIjX
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 20, 2024
“Three goals again the other night and possibly could’ve scored more goals from different areas of the pitch, which we haven’t had this season, really.
“We’ve always had that historically, goals from everywhere. I think it’s a really important aspect and it was great to see Sandro (Tonali) pop up with two massive goals for us.
“I think if you believe you can score goals from a number of sources, areas of the team, that naturally lifts how you feel about yourself.”
Team news
Callum Wilson is a long-term miss once more as the striker battles with injury, while midfielder Joelinton is out of the Ipswich game.
Howe said: “Joelinton is OK, he’s just a bit battered and bruised, yesterday he had a few stitches I believe, around the area of his ear, which was quite delicate.
“He had a cut mouth, so I think, probably, with him not available this weekend, it’s probably a good thing for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and then hopefully be fit for the week after.”
Howe on Ipswich: “We know Portman Road, and Ipswich is a difficult game, they are a really competitive team.
“I think Kieran [McKenna] has done an unbelievable job there and even the games they’ve lost this season, they’ve been in all those games, very tight matches, very competitive team as I’ve said.
“So we’re going to have to be hyper-alert to be ready for the match.”
