Why Eddie Howe is choosing ‘his words carefully’ over the Premier League’s latest Newcastle United decision

Eddie Howe struggled to hide his disappointment after the Premier League handed Newcastle United four games in just 10 days.

Postponed fixtures against Southampton and Everton in late December are re-arranged on back-to-back Thursdays early next month.

It means Howe’s side will face three away trips in seven days - Southampton, Chelsea and Everton - before ending a manic period at home to Crystal Palace.

The game against Palace could be postponed if Patrick Vieira’s men beat Stoke City in the FA Cup.

But still, very understandably, Howe remains from impressed about the congested fixture schedule facing his players.

‘I’ve got to choose my words carefully’

“Not ideal,” Howe said when asked about the timing of the re-arranged games. “No doubt about that.

“We were… I’ve got to choose my words carefully, surprised when we saw the fixture congestion we have, especially due to the amount of away games during a very short period of time.

“What can we do about it? Nothing, so we have to play the games and we will play the games in the best way possible.”

To cope with the crazy fixture list, Howe will call on all members of his squad.

A squad game

Howe said: “It is absolutely vital that every player who steps into the team knows their job, what is expected of them and is physically ready to perform.

“The pleasing thing from last weel (West Ham away) is we had a few players that did that. That’s testament to their attitude and professionalism.

“I’ve said it all along, the group here is very good in that respect, always prepared to help the team ahead of their own wants and needs, especially in the position we’re currently in.

“Long may that continue.”

Newcastle sit two points above the Premier League relegation zone but could climb above Brentford into 14th with three points in West London on Saturday.