Premier League: Midweek madness begins with a bottom-of-the-table clash
Midweek matchdays in the Premier League are about kickoff and on the opening day of Matchday 14, we have a very special encounter between Newcastle United and Norwich City — can Eddie Howe pull off his first victory against Dean Smith and his new club?
Newcastle United and Norwich City have seen a contrast in fortune in their respective Premier League runs since switching managers. The Magpies bad luck just won’t die down and are still without a win and have already lost their new boss to a COVID positive test all while Dean Smith enjoys some greener pastures with an unbeaten run after two at the helm.
But tonight presents Newcastle, under new ownership and new management, with the best opportunity to take all three points as they welcome the second-worst team in the league to St. James’ Park.
Premier League Matchday 14 Tuesday Fixtures
Newcastle United vs Norwich City
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace
Tuesday night only has two fixtures and Wednesday is spoiled with most of the games for Matchday 14. But let’s get back to tonight’s action and what to expect from the bottom feeders in the top flight.
Newcastle United vs Norwich City
Only three points separate the bottom-most clubs in the EPL; United sit very last on six points while the Canaries are 19th with nine points for their efforts. Howe’s time in charge is supposed to see the same number of games in management as his counterpart, however, he missed the first through testing positive for COVID.
He was then featured on the sideline when Newcastle lost to Arsenal 2-0. One point with him at the club so far this season. It will be tough to go up against Smith with his current record against the home side — he hasn’t lost to them in his last five against them — winning three and drawing two.
Thankfully what stands in Howe’s favour again, Newcastle are unbeaten in their last nine home games against City. This gives the impression that there is a strong possibility the points will be shared between the pair.
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace
Throughout the campaign, Marcelo Bielsa and his men have flirted with the drop zone. It was first thought they would get out of the hole but have struggled tirelessly to pull away from the bottom end of the table standings.
Their visitors for Tuesday night have been one of the biggest surprises packages this season. Patrick Vieira has got Crystal Palace playing some good football that sees them placed higher up the order in 11th place.
They will be looking to bounce back to winning ways, having lost their first game last week in the last eight Premier League matchdays and since their 3-0 loss to Liverpool back in September.
Leeds have only won two games and have struggled with clean sheets; they’ve only managed two from the 13 games played. There will certainly be goals whenever Leeds are concerned but will they be on the receiving end of another high-scoring encounter?
If history repeats itself, Bielsa will be celebrating!
Premier League Matchday 14 Wednesday Fixtures
Southampton vs Leicester City
Watford vs Chelsea
West Ham United vs Brighton
Wolves vs Burnley
Aston Villa vs Manchester City
Everton vs Liverpool
Premier League Matchday 14 Wednesday Fixtures
Tottenham vs Brentford
Manchester United vs Arsenal