It’s time to forget about everything else going on regarding the likes of injured players, Newcastle United stars potentially leaving and Eddie Howe being under pressure.
All we should be concentrating on is the visit of Leicester City to St James’ Park on Saturday December 14th.
This game is going to be a real test of the resolve of this Newcastle United team and the supporters.
Ruud Van Nistlerooy is the new manager of Leicester City and I think the Foxes have made a wise choice.
They have already had a new manager bounce, comprehensively beating West Ham and coming back from two goals down with only minutes to spare against Brighton in their last outing, to grab what had looked an unlikely looking point.
Jamie Vardy, who has been a thorn in Newcastle’s side over the years, is still about and at Gallowgate I’m sure he’ll get a warm reception.
When Leicester won the Premier League title in 2015/16, they shook the Septic Six cartel to the core.
It was that shock to the status quo that then saw those running the Premier League go all in with the rats, to ensure that there would never be any repeat of Leicester’s fairytale season.
They still cannot totally erase the memories of Claudio Ranieri’s spirited side, no matter how hard they try, and it also shouldn’t be forgotten that Leicester have since won the FA Cup under Brendan Rodgers.
We have had some memorable encounters against Leicester down the years.
Beating the promotion chasing Foxes on the last day of the season in 1991/92 with a last gasp goal to escape relegation to the Third Division.
A year later we celebrated promotion as First Division Champions with a 7-1 demolition of Leicester at St James’ Park.
One of the greatest goals ever scored at St James’ Park was against Leicester City in the 1970s.
It was a Supermac blockbuster that has became entrenched in the memories of fans who witnessed his remarkable effort.
Only a pity that there was no TV cameras there to have captured it forever.
Players that have represented both sides in the Premier League era include Steve Guppy, Danny Simpson, Ayoze Perez and of course Harvey Barnes.
I’ve a feeling Harvey may have a pivotal part to play this weekend. I hope Eddie is currently feeling the same.
Let’s get behind Eddie Howe and the team 100% and hopefully by late Saturday afternoon, everyone can be feeling more optimistic.
Newcastle United upcoming matches:
Saturday 14 December – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)
Wednesday 18 December – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)
Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)
Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon
Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)
Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)
Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)
Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)
Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (Time TBC) Sky Sports