Alan Smith’s Expert Analysis: Newcastle’s Worries and Weekend Predictions

A European Spot Is Not Beyond This Leeds Side

I think they could finish in a European spot. You look at the teams that did it last year. Sunderland aren’t going to be in one this year, I don’t think. So, along with the Brightons and the Brentfords, if they carry on like this. You saw at Arsenal what a well-organised team they are and what a threat they can be against a top side. So again, Daniel Farke’s side are a physical team who put themselves about, and that’s what they’ve got to try and sustain as well. But it’s not beyond them to claim a European spot.

Brobbey’s Return Helps, but I’m Not Sure Sunderland Are Equipped for Europe

It’ll certainly be a help. In his last game, he got a hat-trick against City, didn’t he? And it’s going to be a tough old season for Sunderland with those extra games in Europe. I don’t think they’re all that well equipped to cope with it over the course of the season. We’ll see. But yeah, if Brobbey can come back, that’ll be a big boost for them.

That Goal at City Is the Proof Daizen Maeda Needed

I think to get a goal at City in the way that he did, he got his body in the way, showed good strength and then tucked it away nice and confidently. So that’ll do him the world of good, because coming down from Scotland, you are wondering, can I make the step up? So you need some kind of solid proof that you can. So the goal, as I said, would have given him a boost in confidence. So you’ll be hoping that he can get a few more.

People on Tyneside Will Be Wondering Where This Club Is Heading

Problems at Newcastle. I’m sure the fans are getting worried. Just one or two groans. A successful season would be to get into Europe. Whether they can do that is another matter. Jaissle’s learning on the job, isn’t he?

They’ve got Fernandez-Pardo, come for big money. I noticed they played him on the right rather than through the middle the other day. He needs to get acclimatised, and Osula needs to contribute. So I don’t know. I think people up on Tyneside will be wondering where the club’s heading, really, where the team’s heading.

Newcastle May Struggle to Work Out What to Do With Woltemade

You buy these players for a lot of money and you’re paying big wages, and it’s difficult, because if you’re on Premier League wages, it’s quite hard to match them elsewhere these days. So Woltemade might think, well, I’m not going to go here or there if it’s half the money. He’s one on his own in terms of his style, so you’ve almost got to build a team around him. And he did well when he first started for Newcastle, didn’t he? But it might be a bit of a problem for Newcastle to work out what to do with him.

Jordan Henderson Looks a Shrewd Signing at 36

I don’t know how many doubts there were. I suppose there are doubts when you’ve got a player of that age, 36 years of age, and you’re wondering how it’s going to pan out. But it’s been brilliant. Xabi Alonso clearly trusts him and the teammates will as well. He got two great goals the other day, didn’t he? Not known for those kinds of finishes, but it looks a shrewd signing. Of course, he’s got Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, and you’d see those as your first-choice two in the middle of the park. But Henderson’s a great option.