Six reasons why Newcastle United's season can improve after international break

The Magpies have lost just once in the Premier League so far this season

Newcastle United have had an indifferent start to the Premier League campaign. Eddie Howe's side have lost just one game so far this season, a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Magpies' performances have not quite been at their highest levels, with the Toon hoping for a return to Europe come the end of the campaign. Howe's side narrowly missed out on a return to European football last season, as a result of Manchester United's FA Cup triumph, and are sat in seventh place heading into the international break.

Newcastle are just two points adrift of the top four with plenty of football still to be played. The recent draw with Man City suggested Howe's side were heading in the right direction, prior to another disappointing display on the road, drawing 0-0 with Everton.

That being said, Chronicle Live takes a look at six reasons why Newcastle's form can improve after the international break:

Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak nearing return

Newcastle United have not yet been able to call on their centre-forward duo at the same time this season. Alexander Isak has had a slow start to the season which in part, may be due to his recent injury, while Callum Wilson is yet to kick a ball.

The Magpies are struggling in the final third to create and put opportunities away. Isak's injury only highlighted the lack of depth up front with Will Osula not yet up to the level.

Both Wilson and Isak are set to return to full fitness over the course of the international break, a huge boost for Howe heading into tough run of games.

Run of home games

Fortunately for Newcastle, a number of those games are on home soil where they've excelled under Howe. St. James' Park has been a fortress during Howe's tenure and that impressive record at the 'Cathedral on the hill' played a huge part in their qualification for the Champions League in 2022/23.

The Magpies face Brighton, Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, Arsenal and West Ham United at St. James' Park in their next six games. It gives the Magpies a good opportunity to put together a run of results that can close the gap to the top-four.

Sven Botman edging closer

Sometimes you don't realise how good you've got it until it's gone. The same can be said about the absence of Sven Botman who played a major part in Newcastle's Champions League qualification campaign.

The Dutch centre-half is nearing a return after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury he sustained against Man City last season. The Newcastle United defender has hinted a return is on the horizon through a number of social media posts, but Howe will want to tread carefully given the severity of his recent lay-off.

The Magpies boss recently said: "I would say Sven's probably a little bit ahead of Jamaal (Lascelles) just in terms of their rehabs, but both players committed to their work and doing great."

Sandro Tonali getting up to full speed

Sandro Tonali will be like a new signing for Newcastle this season, having missed a large part of the last campaign due to his ban from football. The Italy international was able to train throughout his ban, but with every game, he gets one step closer back to his best,

It's fair to say the Magpies haven't seen Tonali's top level on a consistent basis following his arrival from AC Milan last summer and supporters can look forward to that in the weeks to come. He's shown glimpses of what he's capable of and wants to repay the faith shown in him.

“I think Sandro is in a much better place,” said Howe after his return to the fold. “The international games really helped him. He’s certainly pushing to start but I want everyone pushing to start. He was very good against Wolves. We have really good competition for places in midfield.”

Gordon back in best position

Anthony Gordon is another to have struggled in the early parts of the campaign. After a summer of uncertainty and the aforementioned injury to Isak, the England international has had a tough start, deployed across the front line in order to accommodate an in form Harvey Barnes.

With Gordon back out on the left, his favoured position, it should hopefully see him return to his best football. Talk of him agreeing a new deal with the Magpies will only boost his confidence over the next few weeks.

Gordon was the standout player for the Toon last season and they need him at his very best if they want to rise up the table.

Rivals playing European midweek games

Newcastle know all too well about the labours of midweek European football. It takes it toll.

Although the Magpies would rather be playing in Europe's elite competitions, a silver lining this season is the lack of midweek fixtures, an advantage over their Premier League rivals. We saw in 2022/23 how big a part it can play in the quest for a top-four finish and Newcastle will be hoping their rivals drop points as a result of their fixture backlogs.

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