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Tag: Newcastle United

  • Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week

    Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week

    So here we go again. Game of the week. The start of a new Premier League season.

    As Manchester City’s league monopoly continues, the 2023/24 edition of the biggest and richest league in the world is poised to be a classic.

    Each week, BestofBets will showcase the pick of the crop each weekend, so what takes top billing for opening day?

    Embed from Getty Images

    Newcastle United v Aston Villa, St. James’ Park, Saturday (17:30 BST)

    Though Chelsea’s meeting with Liverpool is a blockbuster opening weekend draw, Newcastle and Aston Villa might just steal the show.

    The two European hopefuls should turn on the style, where the hosts carry huge promise after a top three finish last term.

    Villa, meanwhile, are now also tipped to challenge the top six with Unai Emery’s side looking particularly well-balanced.

    Meeting in Philadelphia only weeks ago, a 3-3 repeat might be unlikely but both sides are flush with quality.

     

    Isak v Watkins

    Two of the best forwards in the land are poised to take centre stage on Saturday night.

    Villa’s hopes of breaking into the top six this season rest heavily on Ollie Watkins’ shoulders, now a prolific Premier League marksman.

    Watkins has a combined 40 league goals in the last three seasons and last term found the net 15 times.

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    Having scored against the Magpies this summer, Watkins also grabbed a brace at Villa Park back in April. It’s fair to say, Newcastle know his qualities.

    In the opposite corner, Isak begins his first full season.

    After Callum Wilson was afforded few pre-season minutes, the Swede looks poised.

     

    Midfield battle

    The game of the week offering sees battle lines drawn in midfield, offering not only bite but creativity in spades.

    Eddie Howe looks set to hand Sandro Tonali his Premier League debut alongside Bruno Guimaraes, who could form a dynamic tag-team this campaign.

    However, that is not to say that the visitors lack intensity.

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    In the Villa engine room, critics still suggest Douglas Luiz is a liability, but the Brazilian has become a cult figure.

    And he certainly ticks a box for work rate with managers.

    Alongside John McGinn, big things are expected of Emi Buendia in a wide supporting role. The Argentine’s role on Saturday evening will be pivotal.

     

    Diaby debut key

    Villa will be expecting big things from big-money signing Moussa Diaby, but can be make an impact on his Premier League bow?

    With the Villans set to roll out a 4-2-2 system, Diaby can cause havoc up top with Watkins.

    A player with pace to burn, the French winger was a menace in the Bundesliga last term and will look to convert in English football.

    Given Newcastle’s offensive style and penchant to flow in wide areas, if Villa can get in behind, Diaby can cause real problems.

     

    Bet on the draw

    Newcastle are rightful favourites for three points, however, Villa will be game opposition.

    With the hosts set at around 8/11 with BoyleSports, an away win for Emery’s side is a juicy 19/5 with BetUK.

    However, it is the draw that looks most favourable at 29/10 with William Hill, whilst a 2-2 draw at 14/1 with QuinnBet could be for perfectionists.

  • Newcastle United summer transfer window 2023 Ins and Outs

    Newcastle United summer transfer window 2023 Ins and Outs

    Newcastle United were expected to have a big transfer window in the summer of 2023 considering they achieved Champions League qualification last season. The Toons made a couple of major signings while selling one of their most creative players. BestofBets takes a look at Newcastle United summer transfer window 2023 Ins and Outs (including loans)!

    Newcastle United summer transfer window 2023 Ins and Outs

    Transfer In:

    Harvey Barnes – Leicester, £39m

    Sandro Tonali – AC Milan, £55m

    Tino Livramento – Southampton, £32m

    Yankuba Minteh – Odense Boldklub, undisclosed

     

    Transfer Out:

    Allan Saint-Maximin – Al Ahli, £23m

    Chris Wood – Nottingham Forest, undisclosed

    Matty Longstaff – Released

    Max Thompson – Northampton, loan

    Ciaran Clark – Released

    Matthew Bondswell – Newport, loan

    Yankuba Minteh – Feyenoord, loan

    Dale Taylor – Wycombe, loan

    Kelland Watts – Wigan, loan

    Jamal Lewis – Watford, loan

    Karl Darlow – Leeds, undisclosed

    Harrison Ashby – Swansea, loan

    Garang Kuol – Volendam, loan

    Isaac Westendorf – Released

    Josh Stewart – Released

    Joe Oliver – Released

    Dan Langley – Released

    Niall Brookwell – Released

    Harry Barclay – Released

     

    Newcastle United have smartly used their transfer budget in order to make them competitive ahead of the 2023-24 season in which they will be featuring in the Champions League.

    The Toons have brought in three premium signings in the form of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento. Additionally, they have also let go of three first team players along with many youngsters.

    Allan Saint-Maximin moved to Saudi club Al Ahli, whereas Chris Wood moved to Newcastle United and Matty Longstaff being released from the club.

    Tino Livramento became their latest signing on August 8 as Newcastle spent £32m on his signature from Southampton. The English full-back came through the Chelsea youth academy before Southampton signed him for £5m in 2021.

    He has since impressed in almost every outing he made for the Saints and will look to replicate his best at his new club.

     

    The above list will be continuously updated above as and when a new Newcastle United transfer incoming or outgoing occurs.

    For more such content, please visit our BestofBets Football section here.

  • Football transfer rumours today, news, reports and gossip

    Football transfer rumours today, news, reports and gossip

    The summer transfer window is gaining momentum and football transfer rumours today showcase some big clubs making making moves in the market. Today, we at BestofBets bring you some of the biggest transfer rumours circulating in the media. Please note the source of each of the football transfer rumours is mentioned in brackets.

    Football transfer rumours today:

    Arsenal open to selling Thomas Partey this summer as part of an overhaul of their midfield. (Telegraph)

    Chelsea continue further talks for Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo after Brighton reject £60m offer. (Mail)

    Arsenal set to win the race to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea after Bayern Munich left it too late to sign the German. (Sky Germany)

    Bayern Munich said to be in advanced negotiations to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City on a permanent deal. (Sky Sports)

    Monaco defender Axel Disasi is a target for Manchester United as Kim Min-jae is now set to join Bayern from Napoli. (Fabrizio Romano)

    Chelsea still interested in signing Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen despite signing Nicolas Jackson. (90min)

    Arsenal likely to sign Declan Rice from West Ham. West Ham will try to replace him with Fulham‘s Joao Palhinha. (Fabrizio Romano)

    Marcus Rashford will become Manchester United‘s top earner with a new £375,000-a-week deal. (The Sun)

    Manchester United favourites to sign £50m-rated Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana after Chelsea ended their interest. (Evening Standard)

    Newcastle United will try to sign Nice’s France midfielder Khephren Thuram after being frustrated in their attempts for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella. (Football Insider)

    After leaving Barcelona this summer, midfielder Sergio Busquets is close to signing a deal to join former team-mate Lionel Messi at MLS club Inter Miami. (Mundo Deportivo)

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  • Best Newcastle United players of the 2022-23 season

    Best Newcastle United players of the 2022-23 season

    Newcastle United successfully made it in to the 2022-23 Premier League top four this season after consistent performances throughout the campaign, and so, BestofBets takes a look at who were the best Newcastle United players responsible for their rise in order to qualify for the Champions League.

    Best Newcastle United players of the 2022-23 season

    5. Fabian Schar – Average rating 7.05/10
    One of the most imperious defenders of the Premier League this season, Fabian Schar was critical to Newcastle United’s defensive achievements this season. Schar helped the Magpies secure 12 clean sheets from the 36 games he featured in the Premier League. It is important to realise that one of the major abilities showcased by Schar was the way he organised Newcastle’s defence in pressure situations.

    4. Alexander Isak – Average rating 7.06/10
    The 2022-23 season saw Alexander Isak feature on the wings for most of his time. The Swedish star was Newcastle’s best creative outlet with a more transitioned role. Whenever Isak has performed well, it has unquestionably helped Newcastle to demonstrate their best performances. As a matter of fact, he also contributed 11 goals and two assists in all competitions in the 2022-23 season.

    3. Bruno Guimaraes – Average rating 7.21/10
    With 38 interceptions in the Premier League this season, Bruno Guimaraes turned into one of the most important players in Newcastle’s midfield.
    Furthermore, with four goals and five assists in the Premier League and an average performance rating of 7.21 out of 10, Guimaraes came up with some dominating performances in midfield. All things considered, the Brazilian was one of the key players in helping Newcastle over the line in their quest for Champions League football.

    2. Joelinton – Average rating 7.24/10
    Without Joelinton‘s impact in midfield, Newcastle United would not have ended up in the top four of the Premier League table. The Brazilian midfielder made 40 appearances in all competitions. As a result, he also scored eight goals and provided three assists for the Magpies. Furthermore, another key point of Joelinton’s game in particular, was providing a sense of calm to Newcastle’s vision of dominating games with possession.

    1. Kieran Trippier – Average rating 7.41/10
    England full-back Kieran Trippier was once again crucial to Newcastle’s objective of achieving Champions League football. Moreover, the defender made 46 appearances in all competitions. As a result, he also contributed to Newcastle’s 13 clean sheets in Premier League’s 2022-23 season, conceding 33 goals, the joint least along with Manchester City. In essence, Trippier was the best performer, not only for Newcastle, but also across all teams in the Premier League.

    Ratings courtesy – Whoscored
    Stats courtesy – Transfermarkt

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  • Fantasy Premier League 2022-23 – 10 Best goalkeepers of the season

    Fantasy Premier League 2022-23 – 10 Best goalkeepers of the season

    Fantasy Premier League 2022-23 – 10 Best goalkeepers of the season

    The Premier League‘s 2022-23 season came to a close on May 28, 2023 with Manchester City lifting the title.

    Parallel to the season on the field, there was tremendous action off it when it came to the Fantasy Premier League’s 2022-23 season.

    Best of Bets takes a deep dive into who were the goalkeepers who garnered the most points in the Fantasy Premier League’s 2022-23 season.

    Fantasy Premier League 2022-23 – 10 Best goalkeepers of the season

    10. Jordan Pickford – Everton: 124 points
    With a total of 124 points, Everton’s Jordan Pickford ranks 10th in our list with 3.4 points per game throughout the Premier League season. At the end of gameweek 38, the England number one was owned by 6.2% of the teams in Fantasy Premier League. His best performance of the season game in gameweek 14 against Fulham when he gained 11 points by making six crucial saves.

    9. Lukasz Fabianski – West Ham: 127 points
    West Ham United’s Lukasz Fabianski comes ninth on the list of best goalkeepers in Fantasy Premier League 2022-23. As a matter of fact, at the end of gameweek 38, he was owned by 1.2% of the teams in Fantasy Premier League. His best performance of the season with nine points came in a 2-0 loss to Leicester City.

    8. Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa: 135 points
    World Cup winner, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is next with 135 points throughout the season. As can be seen with his average of 3.8 points per game, Martinez came up with his best performance away at Chelsea in Villa’s 2-0 win in gameweek 29, where he made seven crucial saves.

    7. Bernd Leno – Fulham: 142 points
    Bernd Leno was one of the major reasons behind Fulham’s rise in the 2022-23 Premier League season. He  garnered a total of 142 points in Fantasy Premier League this season. With an impressive average of 3.9 points per game, Leno’s best performance in Fantasy came twice, when he gained 11 points each against Aston Villa and Brighton.

    6. Aaron Ramsdale – Arsenal: 143 points
    English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was one of the biggest reasons behind Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge. Another key point of his performances was that Ramsdale earned 143 points in the season, an average of 3.8 points per game!

    5. Jose Sa – Wolves: 148 points
    Wolves shot-stopper Jose Sa comes in next with 148 points, after all, the Portuguese goalkeeper managed 11 clean sheets throughout the season, an impressive feat. As a result, he also maintained an average of 4.1 points per game throughout the Fantasy Premier League season.

    4. Nick Pope – Newcastle United: 157 points
    The most impressive English goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, Newcastle United’s Nick Pope ranks fourth in this list. As a result of an average of 4.2 points per game, Pope managed 14 clean sheets in the season, claiming 157 points.

    3. David De Gea – Manchester United: 161 points
    David De Gea came under immense scrutiny for some appalling moments in the Premier League this season. However, the 2022-23 Premier League Golden Glove winner was the third best goalkeeper in Fantasy Premier League this season. As a result, he garnered 161 points along with 17 clean sheets and 43 goals conceded throughout the campaign.

    2. Alisson – Liverpool: 162 points
    Alisson rose up the ranks in the final few weeks of the Fantasy Premier League season. He came in second with 162 points.
    Although, throughout the season, Alisson conceded 43 goals. This was the same as De Gea. But, Alisson came up with 14 clean sheets. He also had one assist to his name. All in all, this helped increase his points tally.

    1. David Raya – Brentford: 166 points
    Brentford’s amazing 2022-23 season wouldn’t have been a reality if not for David Raya.
    Raya was the top goalkeeper in the land with 166 points in FPL, after all, he managed 12 clean sheets. Moreover, he conceded just 46 goals. All things considered, his 20 bonus points gained through the season made him the best goalkeeper in Fantasy Premier League.

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  • Greatest Premier League XI who never played in the Champions League

    Greatest Premier League XI who never played in the Champions League

    There have been some great legends of the beautiful game that have featured in the Premier League over the years and you won’t believe some of these greats never got to play in Europe’s top tier tournament. Today, BestofBets bring you the greatest Premier League XI who never played in the Champions League.

    Greatest Premier League XI who never played in the Champions League

    Goalkeeper – Neville Southall
    Everton shot-stopper Neville Southall was at his best during English clubs’ European ban post-Heysel stadium disaster in 1985.

    Right-back – Stephen Carr
    Stephen Carr spent most of his career at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Newcastle United and was impressive throughout his career at the right-back position. Shame he couldn’t play in the Champions League in his career.

    Centre-back – Gareth Southgate
    England national team coach and former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate did have European football experience in the UEFA Cup, but never stepped foot in the Champions League.

    Centre-back – Paul McGrath
    Premier League’s first PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1992/93, Paul McGrath could have achieved so much in his career if not for his injury issues. After almost joining Manchester United, he moved instead to Aston Villa, thus missing out his only chance at European football.

    Left-back – Leighton Baines
    One of the greatest left-backs in Premier League history, we can’t quite believe someone of the quality of Leighton Baines didn’t manage to get a taste of the Champions League. He could have made it there if he did not reject the chance to join Manchester United with David Moyes.

    Midfield – Matt Le Tissier
    The scorer of some of the greatest goals in Premier League history, it is almost a shock when you hear someone like Matt Le Tissier never playing in the Champions League. The Southampton legend sacrificed a lot for legendary status.

    Midfield – Darren Anderton
    After having an incredible career with Portsmouth and Tottenham, Darren Anderton rejected Sir Alex Ferguson’s offer to join Manchester United in 1995 and thus, let go of his only chance to play in the Champions League.

    Midfield – Clint Dempsey
    Featuring for Fulham and Tottenham, Clint Dempsey became a household name in English football during his stint at the two clubs. The extremely talented American did reach the Europa League final with Fulham, however, couldn’t play Champions League in his career.

    Striker – Paolo Di Canio
    Unbelievable really. One of the greatest strikers to grace European football, Paolo Di Canio played for clubs like West Ham, Lazio, Milan and Juventus in the 90s but never managed to play in the Champions League ever in his career as fate would have it. However, he did win the 1993 UEFA Cup and 1995 UEFA Super Cup,.

    Striker – Ian Wright
    Another name that is quite ridiculous to have missed out on Champions League football. Arsenal legend Ian Wright moved to West Ham the summer after winning the 1997/98 Premier League title, following which Arsenal got into the Champions League.

    Striker – Les Ferdinand
    Legendary striker Les Ferdinand has just one UEFA Cup campaign under his belt, during his time at Newcastle United. Among the top 15 goalscorers in Premier League history, it’s quite astonishing he never featured in the Champions League during Newcastle’s prime.

    You can check more of our content like this on BestofBets’ football section.

  • Man City vs Newcastle preview, probable lineups, players you can bet on and prediction

    Man City vs Newcastle preview, probable lineups, players you can bet on and prediction

    Manchester City will host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday to continue adding pressure on league leaders Arsenal at the top of the table.

    BestofBets takes a look at a detailed match preview of this clash!

    Match Details:

    Location: Manchester, England

    Stadium: Etihad Stadium

    Date: Saturday, 4 March

    Kick-off Time: 12:30 GMT / 07:30 ET / 04:30 PT

    Referee: Simon Hooper

    VAR: Michael Salisbury

    Team News:

    Manchester City are still sweating over John Stones’ fitness after a hamstring injury against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round. He may be in the squad, but most probably won’t start. Aymeric Laporte could make a return to the squad after illness.

    For Newcastle, Matt Targett and Joe Willock will miss the trip to Manchester whereas a late decision will be taken on Bruno Guimaraes, who played with injury in the Cup final. Nick Pope is expected to return from his suspension.

    Head to Head record in last five games:

    Man City wins: 4

    Newcastle wins: 0

    Draws: 1

    Predicted Lineups:

    Man City – Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte; Gundogan, Rodri; Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.

    Newcastle – Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Saint-Maximin.

    Last 5 games in all competitions:

    Man City – W D D W W

    Newcastle – W D D L L

    Prediction:

    It will be interesting to see how Newcastle United react to their Carabao Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

    Manchester City, meanwhile, will continue to push their bid to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title.

    BestofBets think this will be a 2-0 win for Manchester City.

    Players who you can bet on for a great performance:

    Kevin De Bruyne:

    On his day, Kevin De Bruyne could single handedly lead Manchester City to a commanding win against any given opponent. We think this game will be one where he comes up and reminds everyone he is still the best in the business. Expect him to find gaps in a strong Newcastle defence which could still not be 100% after a tiring Cup final.

    Allan Saint-Maximin:

    French attacker Allan Saint-Maximin is in imperious form this season and is key to Newcastle’s hopes of getting any kind of result against the Cityzens. The Magpies will mostly play this game on counter-attack which could see Saint-Maximin exploit some spaces in attacking areas. Watch out for him!

    Erling Haaland:

    Erling Haaland has made a mockery out of the Premier League, scoring almost in every game that he has played this season. Expect him to make his trademark smart runs into Newcastle’s box and score. You can bet on him to score a brace today against what will still be a knackered Newcastle defence from a difficult Cup final game.

    To read more content like this on football, please visit our exclusive insights on Premier League games this season HERE.